Management of menstrual problems and contraception in adolescents with mental retardation: A medical, legal, and ethical review with new suggested guidelines

The controversial history of the reproductive rights of the mentally retarded has led to the formulation of laws in the past century designed to protect women from forced sterilization. Significantly, however, in their official ethical guidelines, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists states that “sterilization should not be denied to individuals simply because they also may be vulnerable to coercion” (Int J Gynaecol Obstet 1999; 65:317). Recent advances in medical and surgical methods of contraception and control of menstrual abnormalities have led to a re-evaluation of the management of adolescents with special needs. Physicians, the courts, parents, and caretakers need to be aware of the latest medical and surgical options available, the current applicable laws in each state if such exist, and the ethical guidelines to determine what treatment option is in the best interests of the patient. This review examines the history of the sterilization of the mentally retarded, the latest surgical and pharmacologic treatments available, and the current legal environment and proposes an algorithm to facilitate the management of menstrual hygiene and contraception.