Physicians who specialize in women’s health should provide patients with disabilities the same level of care as others and take steps to address any biases, according to new guidance.

In a committee statement issued this month, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists is reminding health care providers across the country how to address various barriers to care.

“Ob-gyns should be aware of best practices for caring for their patients with disabilities and how to adjust their offices, workflows and practice patterns to be inclusive of all patients,” the guidance states.

The document includes recommendations for providing physical and communication access as well as appropriate policies and procedures to properly welcome and support patients with disabilities.

The professional organization notes that doctors often incorrectly assume that people with disabilities are not sexually active, which can affect care.

“Studies have shown that people with disabilities are less likely to receive services, such as prenatal care and mammograms, but just as likely as non-disabled patients to become pregnant and more likely to be diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer,” said Dr. Beth Cronin, author of the statement. “Disabled patients should be provided with the full range of reproductive services, including abortion care and obstetric care.”

Health care providers are urged to ask patients with disabilities about their sexual history, offer recommended screenings and sexual education.

What’s more, the guidance notes that people with disabilities are at greater risk of experiencing unwanted sexual acts, sexual harassment and physical abuse, with the latter particularly prevalent during pregnancy. As a result, doctors are told to take special care to screen for intimate partner violence and sexual abuse.

Ob-gyns have a responsibility to remove barriers to care, ACOG said. That means ensuring that patients with disabilities don’t wait longer for appointments due to issues with exam rooms or other facilities. They should not be required to bring a support person to assist them and communication assistance should be provided at no charge.

“Medical practices and institutions should have inclusive facilities that can accommodate people of all ages and abilities,” Cronin said. “Additionally, patients should be asked about their needs in advance to ensure that they are provided with the proper accommodations during appointments. The goal is to create a welcoming environment that encourages patients to continue to seek out care when they need it, not avoid it.”