HEALTH
Devastating impact of pandemic on women
May 4, 2020 - Disruption to global health services caused by lockdowns could result in millions of women being denied access to contraception, experiencing unwanted pregnancies and facing gender-based violence.
According to a report from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency, Covid-19 is already having a profound impact on women across the globe, with many women choosing to skip crucial medical check-ups through fear of contracting the virus.
The number of cases of women without access to family planning, facing unplanned pregnancies, and gender-based violence could skyrocket by millions in the months to come.
If the lockdown carries on for six months, 47 million women in 114 low- and middle-income countries may not be able to access modern contraceptives – UNFPA projections suggest this would result in 7 million unintended pregnancies.
For every three months the lockdown continues, an additional 15 million extra cases of gender-based violence are expected, the UNFPA says.