The Inadequacy of “Choice”

Abstract

This chapter examines the limitations of feminist discussions about disability and reproduction. Feminism and disability rights often hold different places in reproductive justice discussions. Feminism often oversimplifies the idea of reproductive choice, focusing on individual women and endorsing cultural stereotypes of disability. As a counterpoint to the scholarly literature of these issues, Alison Piepmeier interviewed twenty-nine parents of children with Down syndrome, asking them about their pregnancy, prenatal testing, and their families. The responses of these parents illustrate how families need more support than just individual rights to raise a child with a disability. Although reproductive decisions may rest on an individual woman, she must also consider community support and health services in her decision to raise a child, particularly one with a disability.