May 4, 2022
People with disabilities know what it means to be denied control over our own bodies. We have been told what is good for us and what we can and cannot do, including in the area of reproductive decision-making. Abortion bans continue this legacy. Abortion bans rob all people who can become pregnant of control over their bodies and the loss is even greater for disabled BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and low income people. We stand in solidarity with reproductive rights and justice advocates who fight against the overturning of Roe v. Wade.
Persistent health disparities and barriers affect the length and quality of disabled peoples’ lives, and DREDF is committed to increasing accessible and equally effective health care for all. Reproductive health care services, including abortion, are a critical component of health care for disabled and nondisabled people. We support state laws and programs that provide pregnant people with accurate, non-stereotypical information about raising children with disabilities. We also fight for the community-based services and supports that disabled people and families with children with disabilities need to live meaningful lives in their communities.