Empowering Women with Disabilities: AI-Driven Reproductive Health Solutions

 

Udukhomose Suleiman Omokhabi ¹, Blessing Selly-U Erumi ² Mofoluke Abidemi Omilani ³, Abiola Adiat Omokhabi ³

 

¹ Ph.D., Department of Adult Education, Faculty of Education, Federal University Oye Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

² Ph.D., Department of Health Safety, Faculty of Education, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State Nigeria

³ Ph.D., Department of Adult Education, Faculty of Education, University of Ibadan, Nigeria

 

1. INTRODUCTION

Disability is specifically mentioned in the World Health Organisations (WHO) 2014 rationale for implementing a rights-based approach to the provision of reproductive health information and services. Sexual health is a vital component of human well-being encompassing social, mental, emotional and physical aspects Mitchell et al. (2021) According to Omokhabi  (2024) and the United Nations (2015) the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) include 3. 7 which calls for universal access to reproductive health care services and 10. 2 which calls for the inclusion of all people regardless of disability. Equal access to sexual and reproductive health care services is necessary for People with Disabilities (PwD), and their needs for family planning and childbirth are comparable to those of people without disabilities. However, misconceptions about PwD and the belief that they are not sexually active have led to a lack of focus on making sure that people with disabilities have access to sexual and reproductive health care services. Disability is a human rights issue because PwD face discrimination, societal stigma and systemic neglect, among other obstacles, in achieving optimal sexual health and autonomy Starrs, et al., 2022.

 

2. Reproductive Health

Every household's reproductive behaviour is significant because it affects their reproductive anatomy. Women were disadvantaged in Nigeria and other parts of the world because they were not given the chance to voice their opinions on issues about their own lives, which made them feel vulnerable Omokhabi (2014) . Among the difficulties they frequently encounter as development agents are restricted access to healthcare, education and credit Omokhabi and Fajimi (2023). Reproductive health includes sexual health according to the World Health Organisation (WHO, 2010) and is a state of total physical, mental and social well-being in all areas of the reproductive system. According to Omokhabi and Egunyomi (2016), promoting and guaranteeing women's health, especially reproductive health is essential to development. Akanbi et al. (2024) claim that reproductive health was recognized by the UN as a prerequisite for social, economic, and human development as well as a lifelong component of overall health and well-being. Maternal health, sexual health and family planning are all included in reproductive health. Women must be in good physical and mental health to participate in these health-related activities.

Menarche, menstruation, fertility, pregnancy, childbirth, gynecological issues, cancers sexually transmitted Diseases, sexuality and sexual health and function are all important components of women's reproductive health Omokhabi (2024). Because it reflects on their reproductive anatomy, reproductive behaviour is significant in every household. Women were disadvantaged in Nigeria and other parts of the world because they were not given the chance to voice their opinions on issues of their own lives, which made them feel vulnerable Omokhabi (2014) . For women to have a satisfying and secure sexual life, they need to be able to procreate and have the freedom to choose whether, when and how often to become pregnant. The wellbeing of mothers, their husband's families and their nation as a whole are among the main advantages of this essential component of health services Mosha et al. (2017) in Omokhabi  (2020).

 

3. Reproductive Health Challenges for Women with Disabilities

Women with disabilities have the same needs when it comes to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) as women without disabilities. Individuals with disabilities are among the most disadvantaged and marginalised members of the community as well as their families. Physical social and mental obstacles prevent them from participating as equal members of society and from using community resources such as health facilities throughout their lives primarily SHR services Rade et al. (2023). Women with disabilities have a very hard time accessing reproductive healthcare services, which can significantly affect their reproductive autonomy and overall health. These barriers can be divided into four categories including physical, informational, social and systemic. Many healthcare facilities are not designed to accommodate individuals with physical disabilities making it difficult for women with mobility impairments to access reproductive health services. Common physical barriers include: Inaccessible clinic infrastructure such as a lack of ramps lifts or movable exam tables Nguyen (2020). Stigma and misunderstandings regarding reproductive health and disabilities may deter women with disabilities from seeking medical care.

Negative societal perceptions that women with disabilities are asexual or unsuited for motherhood are among the main problems. discriminatory treatment by medical professionals which causes discomfort and makes people reluctant to get help. Reproductive choices are controlled by family and caregivers which restricts autonomy. In order to make educated decisions many women with disabilities struggle to obtain information about reproductive health Matin et al. (2021). The absence of education on reproductive health that is suited to the requirements of women with disabilities is one of the difficulties. methods of communication that are inaccessible to women who are visually or hearing impaired. Limited access to health information in easily readable formats Braille or sign language. Inadequate service provision results from healthcare systems frequent failure to incorporate disability-inclusive policies. One example of a systemic barrier is the lack of training provided to medical personnel on how to meet the reproductive health needs of women with disabilities. policies that guarantee disability-friendly services and fair access to healthcare. Limited insurance coverage and financial limitations for reproductive health services tailored to women with disabilities Matin et al. (2021).

 

4. The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare

AI has the potential to improve healthcare and empower patients by giving them greater control over their health. From enabling virtual consultations and remote monitoring to offering personalized health information artificial intelligence (AI) has been utilized in recent years to enhance the delivery of healthcare in a number of ways Dave and Patel (2023). Drug discovery personalized medicine imaging diagnostics and administrative efficacy are just a few of the healthcare applications of artificial intelligence World Health Organization (2024).

 

5. AI-Driven Solutions for Reproductive Health

Improved antenatal, perinatal, postpartum and neonatal care; high-quality contraception and infertility services; the elimination of unsafe abortions; the prevention and treatment of STIs including HIV and reproductive tract infections and cervical cancer are the five main pillars of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) all of which incorporate the use of AI Tamrat et al. (2024) , World Health Organization (2024). These AI-enabled SRH components have ethical Zammit (2023) and human rights Starrs (2015). These standards, which are acknowledged in certain international conventions that cover freedom, equality, privacy, autonomy, integrity, and dignity, are mainly based on currently recognized human rights. AI can now evaluate a person's lifestyle health information, and other data to recommend the best and most efficient method of birth control. This could increase birth control methods' effectiveness and reduce the number of unwanted pregnancies Teal and Edelman (2021), Carlson et al. (2016) claim that AI-powered smartphone apps are also assisting users in selecting contraceptives by informing them about long-acting reversible contraception (LARC) and providing personalised suggestions based on their risk factors and preferences. By providing information and resources, these digital health tools have improved users' comprehension and adherence to contraceptive methods Opatunji and Sowunmi (2024). With issues like preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and preterm birth posing serious risks to both mothers and infants maternal health continues to be a major concern on a global scale Jiang et al. (2022). As AI continues to transform many fields, including maternal health the introduction of AI in healthcare offers promising solutions to improve maternal health monitoring, anticipate complications and enable prompt interventions Chemisto et al. (2023). Wearable technology with AI-powered algorithms is also used in continuous maternal health monitoring. Smart watches and biosensors are among the devices that give medical professionals access to real- time data on vital signs like blood oxygen levels heart rate and body temperature Alim and Imtiaz (2023).

Large amounts of health data can be analyzed by AI to identify patterns and forecast an individual’s reproductive health. For example AI could predict the likelihood of infertility challenging pregnancies or other reproductive health issues helping people make more informed decisions about family planning Wang et al. (2019). With the help of AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants family planning services can be provided remotely simplifying and expediting the process for customers to obtain information about contraception. Another example of the use of AI in family planning is fertility tracking Lee and Yoon (2021). AI-powered apps and devices allow people to monitor their menstrual cycles ovulation and fertility which can be useful for people trying to conceive or using natural family planning methods Schantz et al. (2021). AI can also be used for population modeling which analyzes demographic data and predicts population trends helping governments and other organizations create and implement effective family planning policies Roy (2018).

 

6. AI Solutions for Women with Disabilities

To ensure inclusivity and effectiveness a number of factors must be carefully considered when implementing AI solutions for women with disabilities. Therefore, through telemedicine and virtual assistive communication tools AI technologies can close gaps in women with disabilities access to reproductive healthcare Gbagbo et al. (2024). AI-powered platforms make healthcare more accessible by enabling remote consultations which eliminate the need for in-person visits. AI-enabled systems can help women with hearing or speech impairments by translating sign language into text or speech and AI-driven applications can analyze medical data in real-time allowing for remote monitoring and consultation Silcox (2020).

Enhancing communication with healthcare providers as a result. These tools can increase opportunities for people with disabilities and cater to specific individual needs. Machine learning models can evaluate medical data to forecast possible reproductive health problems enabling early interventions and individualized treatment plans. This means AI can customize reproductive health services to meet the needs of each individual. For instance, AI-based tools are being created to precisely identify and stop high-risk maternal health problems in rural regions. Wearables with AI integration can track reproductive health indicators and vital signs giving doctors access to real-time data that can be used to tailor treatment plans. Early health condition detection and management may be aided by these gadgets.

 

7. Ethical and Bias Concerns in AI-Driven Healthcare

To guarantee fair and efficient healthcare delivery data privacy and informed consent algorithmic bias and fairness transparency and explainability accountability and liability accessibility and health disparities and regulatory and ethical oversight are among the ethical and bias issues that need to be addressed. The use of AI in healthcare raises privacy and consent issues because it requires the gathering and analysis of enormous volumes of patient data. It is crucial to obtain patients express consent and make sure they are fully informed about how their data will be used Pan American Health Organization (2021). Furthermore, strong safeguards against breaches and illegal access must be in place to protect sensitive data. Transparency and consent in AI interactions are crucial for protecting patient autonomy according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Healthcare disparities may result from AI systems unintentionally reinforcing preexisting biases in their training data. For example, an AI models diagnostic accuracy for underrepresented groups may be lower if it is primarily trained on data from a particular demographic Velez (2023).

Thus, if the data represents past disparities in access to care or treatment AI models that forecast patient outcomes may be biased. To overcome these biases, representative and varied datasets must be created and AI algorithms must be continuously monitored and adjusted to maintain equity. Many AI models are black-box which makes transparency and trust difficult. Patients and healthcare professionals may find it challenging to comprehend the reasoning behind particular AI-driven recommendations or decisions NadarZynski et al. (2021). The adoption of AI technologies in clinical settings may be hampered by this lack of explainability, making patients skeptical. To foster trust and support well-informed decision-making, it is crucial to make sure AI systems offer concise, intelligible justifications for their results. The ethical problem of assigning blame when AI systems make mistakes is complicated. There are concerns about who is responsible for harmful AI-driven decisions—the technologys creators’ healthcare providers or the organizations using it Mills et al. (2023).

Clear policies and legal frameworks must be established in order to handle accountability and guarantee that patients have channels of appeal in the event that AI-related mistakes occur.  Although AI has the potential to improve healthcare delivery if it is not applied carefully there is a chance that it will worsen already-existing health disparities. AI-driven technologies may be less accessible to populations with limited resources and biases in AI systems may further disadvantage underprivileged groups. To stop health disparities from getting worse it is essential to guarantee fair access and address social determinants of health. AI in healthcare is developing faster than thorough ethical and regulatory standards. Creating strong frameworks that control the creation application and oversight of AI technologies is crucial to successfully addressing ethical issues. This entails establishing guidelines for data use guaranteeing algorithmic equity and defending patient rights. AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare but in order to properly utilize its advantages ethical and bias issues must be addressed. It will take cooperation between technologists’ medical professionals legislators and ethicists to create AI systems that are open just and consistent with the main objective of providing patients with equitable care (Center for Implementation and Innovation in Health Policies  (CIIPS) (2023).

 

 

 

8. Policy and Regulatory Considerations

Promising improvements in reproductive healthcare are possible with the incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) especially for women with disabilities. To address the ethical legal and social ramifications of this integration, policy and regulatory frameworks must be carefully considered. While Al may be used to challenge and extend human thinking, it should not be allowed to usurp human thinking. Therefore, when designing and adopting Al, protection and enhancement of human agency should always be accorded core consideration Ojokheta and Omokhabi (2023). The use of AI in healthcare is developing in Nigeria but there are obstacles because there are not any thorough laws tailored to AI. The special complications brought about by AI technologies such as data privacy issues, algorithmic transparency and accountability in AI-driven medical decisions, are not sufficiently addressed by current health laws. This regulatory gap emphasizes the necessity of creating strong regulations to guarantee patient safety and the moral application of AI in healthcare.

The application of AI in reproductive health should give ethical principles—such as data privacy and consent bias and fairness transparency and accountability—priority in order to safeguard patient rights. AI systems frequently need to access private health information. Obtaining informed consent from patients and ensuring the safe storage and use of their data are critical. Disparities in healthcare delivery may result from AI algorithms ability to reinforce preexisting biases in their training data. To reduce bias and advance equitable care it is imperative to create and deploy AI systems that have been trained on a variety of datasets. AI decision-making processes should be transparent to patients and healthcare professionals. For AI-driven results to continue to inspire confidence accountability must be established.

 

9. Recommendations

There is need to promote the creation of user-friendly AI-powered platforms with text-to-speech capabilities voice commands and sign language recognition. Make sure AI-powered apps for reproductive health work on mobile devices and are compatible with assistive technology such as screen readers. To reduce biases in AI algorithms, include diverse datasets that include women with disabilities. Involve women with disabilities in the planning and creation of AI solutions to guarantee that their unique requirements are met. Establish stringent guidelines for consent data security and openness in AI-powered reproductive healthcare. Adopt moral standards that guard against prejudice and guarantee AI judgments respect human rights. To give women with disabilities access to virtual consultations and reproductive health monitoring, AI-driven tele health services must be expanded.

There is also a need to improve individualised real-time medical advice. Enable inclusive healthcare solutions by fostering collaborations among governments, healthcare organisations, AI developers and disability rights groups. Encourage studies looking into cutting-edge AI applications for women with disabilities reproductive healthcare. Put international and national policies into place to direct the moral application of AI in reproductive health services. Make sure AI-powered medical devices abide by international health standards and laws protecting people with disabilities. Provide educational initiatives to increase the awareness of AI-powered reproductive health tools among women with disabilities. To better assist women with disabilities, train medical staff on the use of AI solutions. Encourage public-private partnerships to expand AI healthcare solutions and reach underserved communities and push for government funding initiatives or subsidies to make AI-driven reproductive health services affordable for women with disabilities.

 

CONFLICT OF INTERESTS

None. 

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

None.

 

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