We’re excited to share a new publication from the CARES Lab!
Published in Women’s Reproductive Health, the article, “I Think it’s a Scary Topic to Talk About”: A Qualitative Study of Disabled Young Women’s Experiences with Sexual Health Services, was led by CARES Lab researcher Israt Jahan Lipa and co-authored by Dr. Ami Goulden and Victoria Lewis.
Drawing on interviews with disabled young women in Ontario, Canada, the study used interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) to explore their experiences seeking sexual health information, services, and support.
The findings highlight how silence surrounding sexuality, concerns about privacy and confidentiality, and experiences of judgment and medical scrutiny can create barriers to accessing care. Participants also described the importance of supportive healthcare providers, trusting relationships, peer connections, and opportunities to make their own decisions about their sexual well-being.
The study suggests that access to sexual healthcare involves more than the availability of services. Young women also need to feel safe, respected, and supported when seeking care.
The findings call for more accessible, affirming, and nonjudgmental approaches to sexual healthcare that recognize disabled young women’s sexual rights, autonomy, and experiences.
Congratulations to Israt, Ami, and Victoria on this publication! We’re especially pleased to celebrate Israt’s leadership of this important work.
Read the article: “I Think it’s a Scary Topic to Talk About”: A Qualitative Study of Disabled Young Women’s Experiences with Sexual Health Services