Advocate: Negative attitudes block women with disabilities from reproductive health services

2026-03-23 - 10:34

Disability rights advocate Zakia Musa stated that societal attitudes remain the primary barrier preventing women with disabilities from accessing sexual and reproductive health services in South Sudan. According to Musa, women with disabilities frequently encounter discriminatory remarks from healthcare providers when seeking family planning. These interactions create a stigma that discourages many from visiting medical facilities. Musa identified the “attitudinal barrier” as a foundational obstacle that reinforces other challenges, including communication and institutional gaps. She noted that negative perceptions often originate directly from service providers. “Under the attitudinal barrier, you find discrimination and negative attitudes coming from the health service provider towards persons with disabilities,” Musa said. She explained that when a woman with a disability enters a family planning department, staff often question her presence. “Sometimes they ask why they are coming here, and sometimes they ask, ‘So these people can do this activity?'” Musa stated. “That is why these people have a stigma, and they will not come; they fear.” The advocate noted that these remarks serve as a deterrent, denying women with disabilities the opportunity to access essential health rights. Because of the fear of being questioned or judged by medical staff, many choose to avoid healthcare centres altogether. Musa emphasized that addressing the behaviour of healthcare workers is a necessary step toward ensuring equitable access to reproductive services. Without a change in how providers engage with patients with disabilities, institutional and communication improvements will remain ineffective.