Available online 6 December 2023, 101572

Author links open overlay panelAbstract

The recent Supreme Court ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization endangers reproductive freedom, particularly for marginalized communities, including disabled people. Disability and health equity researchers possess unique insights into the needs and experiences of disabled people, making our involvement crucial in response to the Dobbs decision. Accordingly, guided by disability justice and reproductive justice principles, researchers should undertake disability-inclusive studies on the consequences of abortion restrictions, advocate for policy changes that uphold the reproductive autonomy of disabled people, and collaborate with disability-led movements advocating for reproductive freedom. Indeed, it is imperative for researchers to actively promote the inclusion and self-determination of disabled people regarding their reproductive health and well-being. Given the escalating threats to reproductive freedom and their profound impact on disabled people, there has never been a more pivotal moment for disability and health equity researchers to join the fight for reproductive justice.

Section snippetsThe impact of Dobbs on disabled people

The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization, which overturned the constitutional right to abortion, has far-reaching implications for everyone. However, it is marginalized communities, including disabled people, who will bear the most profound consequences.1, 2, 3 First, people with disabilities face higher maternal morbidity and mortality rates compared to people without disabilities.4, 5, 6, 7, 8 This risk is compounded by the fact that some must

Understanding disability justice and reproductive justice

When exploring abortion equity for people with disabilities, researchers can significantly enhance their understanding by integrating the principles of both disability justice and reproductive justice frameworks. By intertwining these two frameworks, researchers can develop a comprehensive and nuanced perspective on the multifaceted dynamics of this complex issue.

In response to the limitations of traditional disability rights approaches that primarily emphasized legal rights and accessibility,

Disability-inclusive research

To address the substantial gaps in knowledge surrounding disabled people's access to abortion care and the impact of abortion restrictions on their lives, comprehensive research utilizing quantitative and qualitative methods is urgently needed. Quantitative research is crucial to shedding light on the prevalence of abortion restrictions and their specific effects on disabled people's access to reproductive health services and information. This approach enables researchers to identify patterns,

Conclusion

Amidst the escalating threats to reproductive freedom, the recent Dobbs decision underscores the critical imperative for disability and health equity researchers to actively engage in the pursuit of reproductive justice. Through disability-informed research, advocacy for policy reforms, and collaboration with disability-led movements, researchers can drive progress toward the complete inclusion and autonomy of people with disabilities in matters pertaining to their reproductive health and

Funding statement

No funding to report.

CRediT authorship contribution statement

Robyn M. Powell: Conceptualization, Formal analysis, Writing – original draft, Writing – review & editing.

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