Jan Walmsley: who really benefits from contraception?

The article examines the history and ongoing issues surrounding contraception for women with learning disabilities, highlighting that their sexual health and reproductive rights have historically been neglected. It discusses past policies driven by eugenic fears, such as segregation and involuntary sterilisation, and notes that while the contraceptive pill changed some practices, many women were subjected to contraception without full understanding or consent. Currently, women with learning disabilities are prescribed long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) at disproportionately higher rates than other women, often for reasons beyond pregnancy prevention, such as managing menstruation. The article emphasizes a broader failure to support these women’s sexual autonomy, protect them from abuse, and address their specific health needs, including gynecological care.