Presenter: Elise Renee Croteau
Faculty Sponsor: Kathleen A. Brown-Perez
School: UMass Amherst
Research Area: Disability Studies
Session: Poster Session 5, 3:15 PM - 4:00 PM, Auditorium, A47
ABSTRACT
The overturning of Roe v. Wade in the 2022 Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision has resulted in serious consequences for reproductive rights in the United States. Although this decision impacts all women, disabled women experience disproportionate harm due to existing barriers to healthcare access and discrimination. This paper examines the intersection of reproductive healthcare and disability rights, focusing on how the decision worsens the pre-existing challenges faced by disabled women. This research underscores the urgent need for inclusive policy reforms that cater to the unique health needs of disabled individuals. A comprehensive review of the history of healthcare for disabled women, along with an analysis of current health disparities, reveals that the loss of constitutional protection for abortion access endangers the autonomy and well-being of a particularly vulnerable population. The paper advocates for immediate research and policy measures to safeguard the reproductive rights of disabled women, ensuring equitable access to healthcare and protecting their physical and legal autonomy amid increasing restrictions.
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