[Legal capacity to act and the sexual life of the mentally handicapped in Sweden (author's transl)].

In Sweden efforts are being made to integrate the mentally handicapped as much as possible into society. If these efforts are to be successful society must concede to them the same rights it does to its non-disabled citizens. On the basis of the terms "legal status" and "legal capacity act" the article examines the consequences which might arise for the mentally handicapped from their being granted these legal rights. As the Swedish society principally allows the mentally handicapped the right to sexual intercourse difficulties arise, in particular, if there is the possibility of procreation and, even more, if children are desired. The pros and cons of pregnancy and its consequences for mentally handicapped people are discussed. Old and modern countermeasures (marriage obstacles, sterilisation, abortion) and the alternatives (systematic sexual instruction, counselling as regards preventive measures and control of their use) are compared and examined in view of their applicability in accordance with the Swedish normalisation efforts. The study showed that mentally handicapped persons can live--also in the sexual area--according to the same principles that guide us all, if we help and advise them adequately and at the right time. Under these circumstances restrictions are no longer the rule, but the exception.