Editorial: Sexual development in mentally handicapped children.

Abstract

Regarding the issue of sterilization of the mentally handicapped, there has recently been a televised debate sponsored by the Royal Institution on this topic which has served the purpose of revealing the confused thinking that has characterized this subject. Sterilization of children has been confused with the issue of sterilization of adolescents, and, additionally, no clear distinction has been made betwe en the problems of the more severely and the mildly retarded individuals. The concern about reproduction by the mentally handicapped generally is based on the questions of whether the child will be retarded and whether the mentally handicapped parent can be a good parent. In regard to the 1st question, most of the children of the mentally handicapped have intelligence within a normal range. In the cases of the severe mentally handicapped, pregnancy is usually unlikely, the etiology is unknown, and the genetic risk is low. Regarding whether the mother will be capable of caring for the child, recent surveys have reflected a wide range of circumstances and social conditions that may be found, but there is, in fact, no good reason for the prophylacit sterilization of the mentally handicapped child. For mildly retarded children, sterilization is contraindicated for different reasons. Most of these children need to be a part of the community and be gainfully employed. A few of this group may wish to marry and have children. This group has the same need for sexual education as intelligent children, and they may request or be advised on contraception. If pregnancy occurs under the age of 16, abortion may be considered, but any relatively irreversible procedure such as sterilization should be performed only after serious consideration by both the individual and her advisors.