Address reproductive health and rights of women with disabilities

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Mongolia has raised serious concerns about the reproductive health and rights of girls and women in the country, as well as the quality and accessibility of medical care and services available to them.

The NHRC commissioned a study on the "Reproductive health and rights of teenage girls and women" and an assessment on the "Reproductive health and rights of girls and women with disabilities and situation of quality and accessibility of medical services".

The study on the reproductive health and rights of girls and women with disabilities is the first of its kind conducted in Mongolia.

Key topics addressed in the study included:

• Building knowledge and awareness among health practitioners of the needs of women and girls with disabilities, including access to health services
• Promoting and protecting the right to bodily integrity and the right to be free from sexual exploitation and violence
• Promoting the right to independent living.

The researchers emphasised that one of the main obstacles for women with disabilities to exercise their reproductive health and rights is the intervention of others, especially health practitioners, who can make decisions on their behalf, such as aborting a pregnancy or forcing birth control on them without their consent.

Another issue is the communication and attitude of relatives and siblings of women and girls with disabilities.

The results of the study were presented by to civil society groups by Ms. Chuluundolgor B., Head of the Mongolian National Association of Wheelchair Users, and Ms.Enkhjargal B., human rights activist, as part of the NHRC's "Let us talk about human rights" discussion series.

Date: 19 September 2018

Source: Human Rights Commission of Mongolia