Reproductive intentions by disability status, disability type, and number of disabilities among non-mothers

• In Event: The Political and Social Dimensions of Ableism and Its Impact on Everyday Life

Abstract

Disabled women experience reproductive and maternal health disparities, reflecting devaluation and stratified reproduction processes. Previous research shows that women with disabilities may have lower fertility intents than nondisabled women. It is unknown whether deciding to become a mother varies within the disabled population. This study aims to clarify previous findings of lower fertility intents disabled women of reproductive age (i.e., ages 15-49), and investigate differences in reproductive intents among disabled non-mothers. The study used nationally representative data from the 2022-2023 National Survey of Family Growth to compare fertility intents between disabled, with disability conceptualized as having one or more functional limitations, and nondisabled non-mothers of reproductive age. A series of logistic regressions estimated odds of fertility intent among disabled non-mothers broadly and non-mothers with different types and numbers of disabilities. Results show that disabled non-mothers (n = 369) have lower odds of intending to have a baby in the future. However, this difference when compared to nondisabled mothers is only significant among women with cognitive, self-care, and communication disabilities. Additionally, each increase in number of disabilities is associated with a 35% decrease in the odds of intent to have a baby in the future; this is particularly significant for those with more than two disabilities. This indicates that disabled non-mothers are less likely to intentionally pursue motherhood compared to their peers. This pattern is driven by those with particularly stigmatized types of limitations and those with multiple disabilities. Findings highlight the need to address unique challenges and needs faced by women with various disability experiences from a lens of stratified reproduction.

Author

• Elise Meta Fjelstad, Syracuse University