The authors state that it can now be considered as an option for menstrual and fertility management.
Permanent contraception has a sordid history in the disability community. For a century or more, people with disabilities were forcefully sterilized, and it was supported by the eugenics movement.
While the academy now considers permanent contraception appropriate in some cases, the authors did say it should be a last resort.
"Nonetheless, saying in any form or fashion that they believe permanent contraception or forced sterilization is an acceptable option is one that does not sit well with members of the disability community," said Jon Meyers, the executive director of the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council.
As for why the academy issued guidance now, Meyers says the overturning of Roe v. Wade could be one reason.
"It is possible that the authors are concerned that given some of the changes to reproductive rights in the United States, they felt there was an increased danger in the event somebody with a disability becomes pregnant as a result of sexual assault or that they might not have the option of terminating that pregnancy," Meyers said.
Still, Meyers worries about what this might mean in the future.
"The concern, I think, among the disability community, individuals with disabilities in particular, is that once we start making decisions that certain individuals shouldn't or couldn't be parents, couldn't bear children, then we make a wholesale decision for the community," Meyers said.
Which Meyers says is not acceptable.
The statement did not address permanent contraception for people with physical disabilities who have the capacity to make their own decisions.
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The Food and Drug Administration is announcing a recall of cucumbers grown in Arizona for potential salmonella contamination. SunFed Produce shipped the produce to 13 states and five Canadian provinces. -
Dr. Moneesh Bhow, medical director of the emergency department at Banner University Medical Center Phoenix, said he expects to see cases continue to rise following Thanksgiving, since holiday gatherings tend to lead to a spike in respiratory viruses. -
Maricopa County officials want to remind residents to do their part to keep our air clean during this holiday season. -
Banner Health will implement visitor restrictions starting Sunday to help reduce the spread of flu and respiratory viruses. The restrictions impact all Banner hospitals across six states. -
The Biden administration this fall issued new rules aimed at achieving parity between mental and physical health. Among other provisions, the rules prohibit health plans from using more restrictive prior authorizations for mental health than physical health — and require plans to analyze their provider networks to make sure patients can access mental health care.
