Study shows significant gaps exist in accessible care for pregnant women with disabilities

A report shows people with disabilities account for 13% of all pregnancies in Ont. but this population was more likely to experience pregnancy complications such as ER visits, hospitalizations and preterm birth. People with disabilities revealed challenges including barriers to accessibility, fragmented care, poor healthcare provider knowledge about disability and disrespectful assumptions. They also reported difficulties in using equipment such as exam tables, communication challenges, judgment from healthcare providers and a lack of coordinated care from social services and the health system.