Sexual and reproductive rights for women with mental disorders: Integrative literature review

Historically, women's health and mental health have achieved important advances in legal issues, but their sexual and reproductive health remain stigmatized and require qualified attention in order to exercise the rights acquired as a form of citizenship. This study aims to analyze the sexual and reproductive health rights of women with mental disorders, with the purpose of elucidating and providing support to determine the quality of the actions developed in the field of mental health. For this purpose, an integrative literature review was conducted in five health databases for analysis of scientific articles. A total of 1,243 references were found, and after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 10 articles were selected to compose this review. It was concluded that although there are several national and international laws, the right to experience sexuality and sexual health by women with mental disorders is still neglected, whether due to stigma, discrimination or lack of knowledge of the subject by patients, family members and health professionals. There is a need for concrete actions in mental health clinics so that these women can enjoy the full exercise of their rights.