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Exercising choice and control - women with learning disabilities and contraception
- Author:
- McCARTHY Michelle
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Learning Disabilities, 38(4), December 2010, pp.293-302.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This research project investigated contraception use amongst women with learning disabilities. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were held with 23 women with learning disabilities, aged between 20 and 51, about their experience of being prescribed contraception. In addition, a postal survey was returned by 162 general practitioners across two counties in England which included questions about their contraception prescribing practices to women with learning disabilities, and how they dealt with issues of capacity to consent to treatment. A service user group was also involved at different stages of the project. Most of the women reported that other people had made the key decisions about starting to use contraception and which method to use. Both the women and the doctors said they liked having a third party, such as a staff member or relative, present for the consultations. Many of the doctors were unclear about responding to issues of capacity to consent to treatment. The article discusses: the constraints on the women’s ability to make choices; the presence of carers in medical consultations; responding to capacity issues; and the need for training for healthcare professionals. An accessible research summary was produced to make the process and findings of the research available to the women with learning disabilities who took part in the study, as well as to any others who were interested, and extracts of this are included in this article.
Sexuality and learning disabilities: a handbook
- Editors:
- McCARTHY Michelle, THOMPSON David, (eds.)
- Publisher:
- Pavilion
- Publication year:
- 2010
- Pagination:
- 171p.
- Place of publication:
- Brighton
The aim of this book is to serve as a guide for those who may be inexperienced in supporting people with learning disabilities with sexual issues. A number of authors share their direct experience and provide ideas on helping people with learning disabilities to find out about their bodies and sex. The focus is on what staff and family members can do themselves, but the writers also recommend specialist help where appropriate. The book is presented in a clear and accessible format, case examples are provided and chapters summarised in key points. Ideas for further reading and specialist organisations are included. Topics covered include; the law, masturbation, menstruation and menopause, profound learning disabilities, sexual opportunities, same sex and opposite sex relationships, pregnancy, sexual abuse, unacceptable sexual behaviour, and sex education.