The determinants of the relationship between parents with physical disabilities and perinatal services: a scoping review

Authors

  • Coralie Mercerat Ph.D. Candidate, Psychology Department, Université du Québec à Montréal
  • Thomas Saïas Professor, Psychology Department, Université du Québec à Montréal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15353/cjds.v10i1.731

Abstract

Because of recent medical advances and increasing advocacy for the rights of people with disabilities, more and more people with disabilities are becoming parents. Parenthood is considered a fundamental right by the United Nations, and appropriate perinatal services are an important promoting factor for positive parenting experience and practices. Despite this, access to parenthood and access to services is still hindered for parents and future parents with disabilities.

This scoping review, based on eighteen (n=18) studies, provides a unique insight into the relationship between parents with physical disabilities and perinatal services.
Results suggest that four main determinants influence this relationship: mothers’ needs, professionals’ characteristics, quality of relationship with professionals, and organization of services. Issues related to accessing information and the services themselves were also identified.

Finally, a framework for accessibility is presented to better understand how to improve access to appropriate services for parents with physical disabilities.

Author Biographies

Coralie Mercerat, Ph.D. Candidate, Psychology Department, Université du Québec à Montréal

Ph.D. Candidate, Psychology Department, Université du Québec à Montréal

Thomas Saïas, Professor, Psychology Department, Université du Québec à Montréal

Professor, Psychology Department, Université du Québec à Montréal

Published

2021-03-04

How to Cite

Mercerat, C., & Saïas T. (2021). The determinants of the relationship between parents with physical disabilities and perinatal services: a scoping review. Canadian Journal of Disability Studies, 10(1), 100–129. https://doi.org/10.15353/cjds.v10i1.731

Issue

Section

Articles