Negative Attitudes Toward Physically Disabled Women Having Children: An Additional Handicap

The negative attitudes that exist regarding physically disabled women having children are discussed. The major justifications given for such attitudes are that disabled mothers are unable to provide adequate care and that their children are likely to be maladjusted. Research findings do not support these beliefs. However, such attitudes further handicap disabled mothers by depriving them of relevant information and support, and fostering feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Wright's (1983) coping perspective on disability suggests strategies for enabling disabled mothers to manage difficulties they encounter.