Women with disabilities are not as likely to become pregnant as women without disabilities. This study looks at how women with disabilities make decisions about pregnancy. Four focus groups were held with 22 women of child-bearing age. Most of the women wanted to become mothers, but they had concerns about becoming pregnant. Three things affected their decision: 1) how important it was to them to have a child, 2) whether it was possible for them to become pregnant, and 3) the costs of having and raising a child.
The study showed that it is more than the medical issues around having a child that are important to a woman. When they discuss pregnancy with a woman with a disability, health care providers should also talk about social and personal factors. By talking about all her concerns, health care providers can help a woman with a disability to make a decision that is in line with her values and desires.