ANCOR | About ANCOR: Position on Sexuality

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ANCOR Position Statement: Sexuality

ISSUE: For years individuals with disabilities have been thought to be asexual, having no need for loving, fulfilling relationships with others. Individual rights to sexuality, which is essential to human health and well being, have been denied. This loss has affected them broadly in gender identity, friendships, self-esteem, body image and awareness, emotional growth, and social behavior. At the same time, coercion related to sexual participation and forced participation in sexual activity are issues for peoples cognitive limitations.

POSITION: The presence of a disability regardless of severity does not, in itself, justify loss of rights related to sexuality. Every person shall have the right to exercise choices regarding sexual expression and social relationships.

All people have the right to:

Interpersonal relationships
Dignity and respect
Sexual expression
Information in order to make informed decisions, specifically including such decisions as having and raising children
Protection from sexual harassment; physical, sexual, and emotional abuse; exploitation; and involuntary sterilization
Choices related to birth control
Privacy, confidentiality, and freedom of association

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