A Contraceptive Choices Report (PDF) undertaken by the Open University in 2015 found that few women with learning disabilities make very independent choices about sex and contraception.  

Some are supported to make contraceptive choices by family, friends, advocates and health and social care professionals, whereas other people will make decisions for them. 

Women report using contraception for a variety of reasons, including the prevention of unwanted pregnancy and because they want to delay, or do not want to have, children. Some women use contraception to manage menstruation. 

Further information

UK-wide

• Choice Support. Supported Loving Toolkit: Contraception. A toolkit offering accessible information and advice about contraception and sexual health for people with learning disabilities.
• Easy Health. Health leaflets and videos. Free access to Easy Read leaflets and videos on contraception and other health topics.
• Open University. Contraceptive Choices Report (PDF). Research exploring how women with learning disabilities make decisions about contraception, highlighting barriers and the need for better support.

England

• NHS West and North London. Sexual Health Services for People with Learning Disabilities: The Bridge. A dedicated service helping people with learning disabilities access contraception, STI testing and sexual health advice.
• Herefordshire and Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust. Sexual Health Support. Easy-read information and free sexual health services, including contraception.

Wales

• Learning Disability Wales: Resources Directory. Includes accessible information on health, relationships and contraception.

Scotland

• NHS Forth Valley: Making Choices, Keeping Safe Policy (PDF). Best practice guidance for supporting adults with learning disabilities around relationships, sexual health and contraception.
• Glasgow City HSCP: Sandyford Sexual Health Services. Programme supporting adults with learning disabilities to access contraception and sexual health services.

Northern Ireland

• Sexual Health NI: Contraception and Sexual Wellbeing Information. Central hub for accessing contraception, STI testing and sexual health support across Northern Ireland.
• Informing Choices NI: Contraception leaflets. Peer-reviewed, plain-English leaflets on contraception options, available online or in print.