Medical science has long confirmed that women with disabilities can successfully carry and give birth to children. It is society's duty to create conditions for safe motherhood and provide necessary support. What is the real situation regarding the reproductive rights of women with disabilities in Kyrgyzstan?
The country's legislation guarantees all citizens, regardless of gender and disability, the right to protection of sexual and reproductive health. However, as indicated by the authors of the study "Gender and Inclusive Development in Kyrgyzstan: Challenges and Recommendations," in practice, the realization of these rights can be quite challenging.
“Crystal” Mother of Two
Among women with disabilities, there are many examples of successful motherhood. One such example is Gulmayram Alymbek kyzy, a mother of two healthy children, who suffers from a rare condition known as osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. Her husband has a second group disability due to chronic osteomyelitis. Gulmayram agreed to share her story with Kaktus.media.She recalled: "Doctors categorically refused me. They said, 'Why do you need this? You are like this yourself.'" Gulmayram recounted that this was regarding her pregnancy in 2018. "When I found out I was expecting, it was winter. I felt that something was wrong — my breast started to hurt. I went to the doctor and said I was scared."
Gulmayram took a pregnancy test, which initially showed three lines and then one. "I didn't perceive the delay as a sign of pregnancy, as I had experienced delays of up to three months before." Then she consulted a private doctor, who, without waiting for her consent, immediately suggested an abortion. "She didn't even ask if I planned to give birth."
Gulmayram's husband suggested she see another doctor, and a series of visits began. At the clinic, she was again told that she would not be able to give birth. "I sat in silence; the doctor told my husband that I wouldn't be able to give birth, and he also remained silent," she said.
A week later, the doctor called Gulmayram and her husband for a consultation, where several specialists were present. All of them expressed the opinion that the pregnancy should not continue. "I was silent, and they told my husband: 'Why do you need this? What will you tell your parents if something happens to her?'" Gulmayram recalls.
The professor who examined Gulmayram said honestly: "We have no experience working with such patients. We will apply standard procedures." She took full responsibility for the pregnancy.
The doctor advised Gulmayram to wait three months to ensure the pregnancy was continuing. "He said to take vitamins and monitor my condition. Ultimately, when the time came, we did an ultrasound, and the heartbeat was confirmed. I prayed every day," she shares.
At six months, she had another ultrasound to check the baby's health. "The specialist said: 'Congratulations, you have a girl.' I couldn't hold back my tears of joy." In the end, Gulmayram gave birth to a healthy girl via planned cesarean section.
Ukey Muratalieva, an activist and head of the "Nazik Kyz" fund, also confirms the importance of supporting women with disabilities who want to become mothers. She herself recently became a mother and knows how important it is to find friendly doctors. "Women with disabilities often turn to our organization in search of doctors who will support them," she says.
Statistics show that many of them prefer private clinics not due to financial capabilities, but because of the desire for humane treatment. "Women face difficulties when consulting doctors, not only due to a lack of access to medical institutions but also because of the disrespectful attitude of some medical staff," the study notes.
Medical workers often have a stereotypical perception of women with disabilities, which makes them vulnerable. "Every woman with a disability who decides to become a mother faces biased attitudes," the authors of the study assert.
As Muratalieva emphasized, an important aspect of managing pregnancy for women with disabilities is the doctor's attitude towards them. "Different forms of disability need to be taken into account. About 2% of women with disabilities give birth to children with disabilities, so it should not be assumed that all women with disabilities will necessarily give birth to a child with similar problems," she added.
The authors of the study emphasize that combating bias against women with disabilities, especially in the area of reproductive health, will help reduce the level of discrimination.
Opinion of the Ministry of Health
According to Raisa Asylbasheva, the chief specialist of the Ministry of Health, there are no restrictions for women with disabilities in the area of reproductive health according to legislation and international standards. "Restrictions may only arise in cases of serious medical indications," she added."All maternity hospitals are ready to accept such patients and provide the necessary services. We do not categorize people and ensure equal access to medical care," Asylbasheva asserts.
She stated that it is important to honestly assess the risks of pregnancy and the health of women with disabilities. "If health permits, there are no obstacles, and doctors are ready to support the pregnancy," she concluded.
Social Problem
Bias against women with disabilities is a problem not only among medical professionals but also in society as a whole. "Women with disabilities who choose motherhood bear a huge responsibility. They face stereotypes and bias," Muratalieva notes.Some women may abandon the idea of motherhood due to societal pressure. "Although women with disabilities have the same rights to reproductive health, society still discriminates against them," the study on the needs assessment of women with disabilities states.
The study found that the rights and dignity of women with disabilities are not recognized in families and society.
According to the assessment:
- 26% of respondents cannot make decisions about leaving their home;
- more than a third do not have the right to decide about their romantic or sexual relationships;
- more than 20% cannot make decisions about marriage (23%), divorce (22%), or childbirth (21%).
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