Designating a day in May 2024, as "Disability Reproductive Equity Day".

Health
senate

Introduced on May 23, 2024 by Tammy Duckworth

Cosponsors

Legislation Details

  • Designates a day in May 2024 as “Disability Reproductive Equity Day.”
  • Highlights that approximately 1 in 4 adults in the U.S. have disabilities, with a significant number being capable of pregnancy and parenting.
  • Acknowledges the historical and ongoing reproductive coercion and discrimination against people with disabilities, including forced sterilization upheld by the Supreme Court decision in Buck v. Bell, which has not been overturned.
  • Notes that 31 States and Washington, DC have laws allowing forced sterilization of people with disabilities.
  • Points out the increased risk of physical and sexual abuse for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, especially in congregate care facilities, and the underreporting of such abuses.
  • States that women with disabilities are almost twice as likely to experience sexual violence compared to women without disabilities.
  • Identifies barriers to reproductive health care for people with disabilities, including stereotypes, legal and financial barriers, language and communication barriers, delays in preventative services, lack of accessible facilities and equipment, and a lack of trained healthcare providers.
  • Mentions that people with disabilities desire children at the same rate as those without but face greater challenges in receiving reproductive health care and are at a higher risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
  • Discusses the ongoing legacy of reproductive oppression, particularly affecting women, people of color, low-income individuals, and LGBTQI+ people with disabilities.
  • Highlights the impact of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision, noting that nearly 3,000,000 reproductive-aged women with disabilities live in states with restrictive abortion laws.
  • References the disproportionate harm caused by state laws and court decisions restricting reproductive health care access to those already facing barriers, including people with disabilities.
  • Cites legal protections against discrimination for people with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.
  • Affirms the right of all people, including those with disabilities, to decide if, when, and how to start and raise a family.
  • Pledges to support and advance the reproductive and sexual health, autonomy, and freedom of people with disabilities.
  • Calls on the President to support and protect the rights of people with disabilities to reproductive and sexual health, autonomy, and freedom, in line with existing legislation.

Last updated 8/27/2024