186 chapter 9: Family planning
It can be even more difficult for women with disabilities to get information or
access to practice family planning. Many people, including some health workers,
believe women with disabilities cannot have sex or become pregnant, and do not
give them any information or advice.
This chapter gives information about different types of family planning methods
and how to choose the best method for you.
Before you decide which
method of family planning
to use, look at the chart on
page 188 to see how well each
method prevents pregnancy.
You may also want to
consider the following:
Which family planning
method should I
choose?
• What methods are available in my
community?
• How easy is it to use the method?
• Are there any risks to my health
with the method?
• Is my partner willing to use family
planning?
• Will my disability affect the
method I use?
Where many family planning methods are available, women make choices
depending on ease of use, cost, their bodies, the work they do, and what they
and their partners prefer. Even if some of these methods are not available in your
community, you can learn about them and talk with the local health workers about
trying to make them available. You may be able to educate them!
A Health Handbook for Women with Disabilities 2007