Getting a partner is what every person would like. In part 4
of my series reproductive health and sickle cell I encouraged people with
sickle cell disease to disclose their status to their partners. I have received
feedback from a number of my readers. It is difficult to disclose to a partner
whom you do not know whether will accept you as you are or not.
The first question most partners ask is ARE YOU ABLE TO TAKE
PART IN SEXUAL ACTIVITY? Those with sickle cell disease have been asked this
question several times. At times the answer is difficult but the answer is yes.
Sickle cell disease affects the red blood cells but doesn’t affect the sexual
ability of a person.
Forcing people to become parents has been condemned but
denying people with sickle cell their parenting right has been a silent issue.
Choosing to have a child is an unquestioned right, yet society insists that
people with sickle cell disease justify and defend their decision.
There are a number of misconceptions about people with
sickle cell disease. Misconception include that they are not sexually active,
asexual, uninterested in sex, unable to take part in sexual activity.
Many reproductive health care providers are unprepared to
discuss issues of fertility, conception and pregnancy with people living with
sickle cell disease.
For people with sickle cell disease their desire for freedom
to have sex and bear a child is no different than other people. Curtailing of
their freedom is a cause of crises to many.
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