The desire for parenthood among individuals with intellectual disabilities : systematic review

Abstract

Background: This qualitative systematic review provides an overview of existing studies on the desire for parenthood of people with intellectual disabilities. Method: The scientific studies were identified following the Prisma protocol on 18 databases using keywords relating to sexuality and parenting. Results: Sixteen studies have been included and three categories identified: the obstacles and motivations to becoming a parent; parents’ decision making during pregnancy; and the social construction of a parental identity. The results from these studies show that people with intellectual disabilities have a genuine desire for children, which is repressed because of an unfavorable social context. Conclusion: Further clinical and participatory research is needed to better understand the singular modes of expression of people’s intimate desires and how to better accompany them on this issue.