(In)visible Bodies: Disability, Sexuality and Fundamental Rights
Carla Maria Reale
The sexual sphere of people with disabilities is surrounded by stereotypes and misconceptions but it’s mostly absent from public debates and policies. Examining this topic through the category of fundamental rights implies the recognition of sexuality as a relevant component of humanity defined by the principles of equality, self-determination and the promotion of the person’s well-being. It means investigating the latest frontier of positive measures, unmasking the supposed neutrality of the law in the face of situations of injustice. This book explores some of the connected legal issues, such as sexual and reproductive health, forced sterilization, agency in the sexual sphere and sexual assistance. These questions are addressed from the perspective of comparative constitutional law, without forgetting the crucial role of international law. The book adopts an interdisciplinary approach, by creating a dialogue between legal knowledge and categories developed in social sciences, specifically sociology and political philosophy.