DISABILITY AND STERILIZATION – INTRODUCTION
Women with serious physical disability often experience problems with reversible contraception, but are frequently reluctant to agree to sterilization. They see this operation as yet another damage to their bodies, and their loss of fertility as another constriction on their activities.
A woman was brought to a contraceptive clinic from a longstay hospital. She was preparing to live in sheltered accommodation after a long hospital admission recovering from a road accident in which she had suffered brain damage. She was severely disabled and unable to walk or speak properly. The doctor communicated with her through her partner who was steady and caring. The couple communicated in a unique fashion and had an active sex life. Contraception was felt to be important by the woman, her partner and her advisers, but she could not accept sterilization. It took considerable time and effort to arrive at a situation which met the needs of both partners. This consisted of using a cap, sheath and chemicals all placed by the partner after he had been taught the details at the clinic.
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