According to Treacy et al., “Sexuality is part of the human experience, yet sexual health is often ignored, especially in regard to individuals with disabilities” (Treacy et al., 2017, p. 66). Among the reasons for this is the lack of knowledge and confidence for those teaching sexual education, along with anxiety and fear about teaching the subject (Treacy et al., 2017). The Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act, although not specifically aimed at teachers, could lessen feelings of anxiety and fear, and increase knowledge and confidence for those educating people with disabilities on the topic of sexual health education, decreasing the barriers to sexual health education for individuals with disabilities. Policy Description The Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act of 2023 focuses on the needs of individuals with disabilities in the scope of reproductive and sexual health care. It addresses barriers to health care for women with disabilities and proposes programming to address the unique barriers and accessibility needs of the …show more content…
In providing both medical professionals and people with disabilities education on the topic, this policy would not only give providers the skills to best serve people with disabilities but allow individuals with disabilities the opportunity to learn about their bodies in ways they may have previously not had the chance to. Original Policy Implementation The Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act was introduced in the House of Representatives on July 26, 2023. It has not yet been passed and therefore has not been implemented, however the policy outlines the criteria for implementation. The policy begins with explaining expectations for training the professionals working with people with disabilities in reproductive and sexual health care. The policy states that the Secretary “shall award grants, contracts or cooperative agreements to eligible entities to carry out training programs for health care professionals providing sexual and reproductive health care concerning comprehensive disability clinical care curricula” (Reproductive Health Care Accessibility Act, 2023, p.