The experience of pregnancy and disability has been referred to as "a double dose of disequilibrium". Pregnancy, on its own, can result in profound physical and psychological changes for adolescents and young women. The impact that the pregnancy has on a disability (and of disability on a pregnancy) necessitates the implementation of planning and appropriate supports. This article is a review of literature around family planning for adolescents and young women with disabilities. Barriers to reproductive health, including physical and societal inaccessibility, are discussed. A historical perspective is provided, along with considerations around the following stages of family planning: pre-conception, pregnancy, labor, and delivery, and post-partum care. Whereas different disabilities and syndromes can bring unique challenges, an interdisciplinary team approach can be used to promote healthy and informed family planning for adolescents and young women with disabilities. The practitioner who has been afforded continuing education opportunities, who has a desire to learn about the individual impact of a disability on a pregnancy, and who shows unconditional positive regard when working with young patients with disabilities will facilitate successful outcomes.
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