Abstract

An estimated 10% of the world’s population – 650 million people – live with a disability. Persons with disabilities have the same sexual and reproductive health (SRH) needs as other people. Yet they often face barriers to information and services. The ignorance and attitudes of society and individuals, including health-care providers, raise most of these barriers – not the disabilities themselves. In fact, existing services usually can be adapted easily to accommodate persons with disabilities. Increasing awareness is the first and biggest step. Beyond that, much can be accomplished through resourcefulness and involving persons with disabilities in programme design and monitoring. Now is the time for action concerning SRH of persons with disabilities. On 3 May 2008, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities came into force. This is the first legally binding international treaty on disability. It mentions SRH specifically. Both UNFPA Executive Director Thoraya A. Obaid and WHO Director-General Margaret Chan have welcomed the Convention and have emphasized the importance of addressing the needs of persons with disabilities.