Reproductive Justice and Disability Rights: The Myth of Ableism

Event Date: 4.06.2025

The Disability Rights Clinic (DRC), School of Law, Galgotias University, hosted a thought-provoking workshop titled “Reproductive Justice and Disability Rights: Myth of Ableism”.This intellectually rich event aimed to address the deeply intertwined issues of reproductive rights, sexuality, and the lived experiences of people with disabilities, particularly through the lens of gender justice and the myth of ableism.

The workshop served as a platform for scholars, legal practitioners, activists, and students to engage in critical conversations about ableism, the outdated perspectives in legal frameworks, and the barriers faced by disabled individuals—especially women and girls—in asserting their reproductive and sexual rights.

Prof. Avantika Tiwari initiated the workshop by welcoming the distinguished guests, speakers, and student attendees. She emphasized the importance of choosing this nuanced and often neglected theme. In her address, Prof. Tiwari highlighted the outdated and insufficient nature of the existing disability legislation in India, pointing to gaps in addressing the complex realities of disabled individuals in matters of reproduction, family planning, and bodily integrity. She further praised Galgotias University for taking a pioneering step by establishing the Disability Rights Clinic—one of the first such initiatives among law schools in India—dedicated to championing the rights and interests of persons with disabilities.

Dr. Smitha Nizar delivered a key opening address, recognizing the crucial role that the Disability Rights Clinic plays in furthering legal education and advocacy. She introduced the theme “Reproductive Justice and Disability Rights: Myth of Ableism”, explaining that the term “ableism” refers to the systematic privileging of able-bodied individuals in law, policy, and social perception, while marginalizing and silencing those with disabilities. The workshop, she stated, aimed to debunk these myths and foster conversations that are inclusive, rights-based, and transformative.

In contextualizing the theme, Dr. Nizar emphasized the importance of challenging the “Myth of Ableism” and understanding how deeply embedded societal prejudices can render the disabled community invisible, particularly in matters relating to sexuality, desire, and parenthood.She acknowledged the immense contributions of the guest speakers and thanked the DRC student coordinators and volunteers whose diligent efforts made the workshop possible.

Ms. Hema Kumari brought a rich feminist and sociological perspective to the discussion, speaking on how mainstream discourse often sidelines the experiences and voices of persons with disabilities, especially women. Drawing from her own fieldwork and qualitative research, she highlighted the glaring absence of accessible sex education, the lack of trained counselors for disabled individuals, and the widespread stigma that treats disabled people as asexual or incapable of meaningful romantic and reproductive relationships.

She pointed out that this internalized ableism often leads to silence and shame among disabled individuals regarding their desires and reproductive choices. Her presentation called for the inclusion of sexuality and emotional well-being within the broader framework of disability rights, urging educational institutions, families, and policymakers to adopt more inclusive and compassionate practices.

Outcomes

The workshop introduced students and faculty to an emerging and critical field intersecting disability studies, reproductive justice, and legal reform. It sparked meaningful academic engagement with ableism, reproductive autonomy, and the rights of persons with disabilities—topics often underrepresented in mainstream legal education.

With participation from students and faculty across law, business, and other departments, the workshop fostered a cross-disciplinary dialogue that enriched collective understanding and facilitated integrative thinking across law, sociology, gender studies, and public policy.

Exposure to Eminent Experts and Lived Narratives:

Students were able to interact with leading thinkers and advocates such as Dr. Talim Akhtar, Ms. Hema Kumari, and Mr. Salman Khan. Their scholarly insights and lived experiences provided diverse learning perspectives—blending legal critique with personal testimony, feminist sociology, and constitutional analysis.

Several students expressed interest in pursuing disability-related themes for seminar papers, internships, and moot court propositions. The workshop acted as a catalyst for future academic inquiry and socio-legal research projects within the School of Law.

Critical Reflection on Legal Frameworks:

Through expert analysis of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, Article 21 of the Constitution, and international obligations under the UNCRPD, participants developed a deeper understanding of legal inadequacies and were motivated to think critically about reforms grounded in dignity, autonomy, and inclusiveness.

The program enabled students to appreciate the role of legal advocacy in confronting social injustices like forced sterilization, selective abortion, and systemic ableism. It sharpened their ability to translate legal theory into actionable rights-based advocacy.

Promotion of Ethical and Inclusive Legal Thinking:

The concluding discussion on selective abortion and reproductive rights challenged participants to think beyond legal binaries and consider ethical dilemmas from the standpoint of equity and non-discrimination. It reinforced the importance of empathy and social justice in legal practice.

Visibility and Institutional Recognition:

With the presence of the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor and Deans from multiple schools, the workshop elevated the visibility of the Disability Rights Clinic and underscored Galgotias University’s commitment to inclusive, socially relevant legal education.

The event was successfully disseminated through social media and archived via a YouTube recording, making it accessible to wider academic and civil society audiences. This digital footprint ensures continued learning and institutional memory.

Strengthening of the Disability Rights Clinic’s Role:

The workshop reaffirmed DRC’s role as a pioneering initiative in legal education. It reinforced its mission to sensitize future legal professionals, influence policy discourse, and foster a more inclusive legal culture at the University and beyond.

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