"Ninguém me pode substituir": A Maternidade em Mulheres com Deficiência Física

Abstract

Motherhood in women with disabilities historically confronts ableist perspectives and the traditional biomedical model, which conceptualizes them as unfit for reproduction. This qualitative and exploratory study aimed to understand how women with physical disabilities experience the challenges in accessing medical counseling and healthcare during the perinatal period. To this end, semi-structured interviews were conducted with five women with physical disabilities, whose narratives were subjected to Reflexive Thematic Analysis. It is concluded that the Portuguese healthcare system presents profound structural and attitudinal flaws, perpetuating forms of obstetric and symbolic violence. Consequently, the study underscores the necessity of reformulating public policies and interdisciplinary clinical and medical training, calling for a more critical practice that guarantees equity, reproductive rights, and full autonomy for these women.