Washington, D.C. — A new analysis from the Center for American Progress’ Disability Justice Initiative highlights the urgent need for disability and reproductive rights and equity organizations to work together amid growing attacks on bodily autonomy and access to care.
The “Disability Reproductive Equity Agenda: Protecting the Reproductive Rights of Disabled People in 2025 and Beyond” draws on a CAP-hosted summit of more than 50 advocates from the disability and reproductive rights and equity communities. Utilizing qualitative analysis on the notes capturing each working session, the authors identified the top five priorities for advancing reproductive equity and ensuring that disabled people can make informed choices about their bodies, health, and futures.
“Disability and reproductive equity organizations are founded on one basic universal truth: Everyone should be able to make decisions about their own bodies. Disabled people have the right to make decisions about their reproductive health and their lives,” said Mia Ives-Rublee, senior director for the Disability Justice Initiative at CAP and co-author of the analysis. “As attacks on both disability rights and reproductive freedom grow, it’s critical that policymakers and advocates act together to defend our autonomy.”
The analysis outlines five key areas for collaboration and action in the years ahead:
- Support intersectional research on disability and reproductive health, including protection of gender-affirming care and anti-discrimination rules.
- Advocate for legislation to expand reproductive access and safeguard Medicaid coverage.
- Increase comprehensive sex education for disabled youth through accessible and inclusive programs.
- Improve provider training on disability and reproductive health to combat bias and improve care quality.
- Strengthen advocacy capacity and cross-movement partnerships to advance disability and reproductive justice.
While the challenges are significant, the agenda provides a road map for collaboration among disability and reproductive rights advocates to ensure reproductive equity for all disabled people.
Read the full issue brief: “Disability Reproductive Equity Agenda: Protecting the Reproductive Rights of Disabled People in 2025 and Beyond” by Casey Doherty and Mia Ives-Rublee
For more information or to speak with an expert, contact Christian Unkenholz at [email protected].