Addressing family planning needs for people with disabilities
IN an increasingly diverse society, the conversation around family planning has evolved significantly. Yet, one group often overlooked in this dialogue is people with disabilities.
The importance of including their voices and needs in family planning discussions cannot be overstated, as it ensures equitable access to reproductive health services, education and support.
Family planning is a fundamental aspect of reproductive health that affects individuals and communities worldwide. Yet, when discussions around family planning occur, the voices of people with disabilities are often overlooked.
It is crucial to recognise that individuals with disabilities have unique perspectives and needs regarding family planning and including their voices in these discussions is essential for fostering inclusive and effective reproductive health policies.
Understanding the unique needs
People with disabilities often face specific barriers when it comes to accessing family planning services. These barriers can include physical accessibility, lack of tailored information and societal stigma.
Rosemary John (45), Chairperson of the Geita Society for the Blind, emphasises that family planning should be inclusive, addressing the needs of both ablebodied individuals and those with disabilities.
She highlights the critical importance of educating people with disabilities about family planning, as many are often sidelined in these discussions.
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“For instance, a blind woman fortunate enough to marry may believe her only role is to bear children, unaware of the options available through family planning,” she explains.
Ms John, representing her colleagues at a training session organised by Marie Stopes Tanzania (MST), warns that this lack of knowledge can trap such women and their families in a cycle of poverty, as they struggle to support large families.
“Misconceptions about the reproductive rights and desires of people with disabilities often exclude them from essential conversations about family planning. Involving individuals with disabilities in these discussions allows us to understand their unique needs and experiences, which are frequently overlooked,” she adds.
Empowering Individuals with Disabilities Moshi
Mcheyeke Enos (48) from Shinyanga region notes that it is uncommon for people with disabilities to be included in family planning discussions, which poses significant risks. He stresses that inclusion empowers these individuals to express their needs and challenges prevailing narratives that marginalise them.
“When people with disabilities are given a platform to share their insights, it enhances the quality of family planning services and fosters a sense of urgency,” he says.
He believes the knowledge gained from the training is vital for understanding reproductive rights, asserting that people with disabilities have the same rights as anyone else to make informed decisions about their bodies and families.
“Listening to their voices helps dismantle stereotypes and promotes equitable dialogue around reproductive health,” he affirms.
Ms Mgeni Kisesa, a health expert in reproductive health from MST, points out that involving people with disabilities in discussions about sexual and reproductive health is crucial, as many have been left behind in accessing these services.
“Reproductive health services are a right for everyone who has reached reproductive age, regardless of their physical ability,” she states.
She emphasises that educating individuals with disabilities on sexual health is essential, citing the potential risks to both mothers and unborn children if they remain uninformed.
“For instance, if a disabled woman contracts a sexually transmitted disease during pregnancy, it could affect her child’s health. It’s vital to provide this education before it’s too late,” she warns.
Kisesa advocates for amplifying the voices of people with disabilities in family planning discussions, stating that increased visibility can challenge societal stigma and stereotypes.
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“Representation in family planning policies encourages a culture of inclusivity across public health and social services,” she adds.
She says incorporating the perspectives of individuals with disabilities allows for tailored solutions, such as making educational materials accessible in various formats, including Braille and sign language.
Service providers can also implement inclusive policies that acknowledge the diverse needs of all individuals, ensuring those with disabilities are informed and empowered to make their own reproductive choices.
Awareness campaigns promoting the reproductive rights of people with disabilities are vital in transforming societal attitudes. Advocacy groups play a critical role by pushing for policies that protect these rights and ensure access to comprehensive family planning services.
“By amplifying the voices of people with disabilities, these organisations help dismantle stereotypes and challenge misconceptions that contribute to marginalisation,” she says.
MST Project Lead, Willelimina Celestine shares that they have brought together representatives from Organisations of People with Disabilities (OPDs) across 12 targeted regions to educate them on sexual reproductive health. The project, which began in November last year and will continue until December 2026, aims to raise awareness among people with disabilities regarding family planning.
“We reach people with disabilities using various methods, including outreach teams in hard-to-reach areas, alongside health service providers,” she explains.
Additionally, they are working to equip government health centers, training service providers and monitoring the quality of care to ensure more individuals with disabilities can access essential information.
“As we move forward, embracing diverse voices will lead to more effective solutions that reflect the needs of all individuals, paving the way for a future where everyone can make informed choices about their reproductive health,” Celestine concludes.
