The Negative Impacts of COVID-19 on Women's Sexual and Reproductive Health

COVID-19 pandemic has affected millions of lives all over the world. However, its effect on an individual varies differently based on one's sex and gender. Gender plays a crucial part in the primary and secondary impact of coronavirus pandemic.

Based on initial information, men were more likely to acquire a severe form of the disease or die from coronavirus. But on a societal level, the extent of severe consequences is greater for women.

The current health emergency poses significant threats to poor and marginalized women. The risk is greater for them since they don't have adequate access to resources, information, social services, and quality health care. This makes them more prone to transmission.

The role of women in society as caregivers increases their risks of infection. It also exacerbates COVID-19's impact on their lives. 

How COVID-19 Threatens Abortion Rights

The power imbalance is one of the many issues argued in the COVID-19 response.  The lack of female leaders is the main reason that puts women at a disadvantage. In addition, the existing political power dynamics have created decisions that can jeopardize the sexual and reproductive health of women.

For instance, government officials from different states, including Oklahoma, Alabama, Ohio, and Texas, have proposed to ban most abortions - particularly those that are not considered as an urgent or medical emergency during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Allegedly, this decision was made to preserve the medical resources and hospital facilities necessary during this pandemic.

Aside from the states mentioned above, officials from different states such as Louisiana, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, and Utah, are also pushing to prohibit women's right to have an abortion.

States of Arkansas, Alaska, and Mississippi already restricted abortions.

Are abortions considered essential healthcare?

Access to abortion is essential in preserving the health and life of pregnant women. COVID-19 negatively affect access to abortion services due to travel restrictions, limited transportation options, and limited healthcare system capacity.

Abortion is a time-sensitive procedure and should not be postponed. Restrictive measures that deny women's access to abortion care will push them to seek out unsafe abortion services that put their lives at risk.

Access to Contraception

Women's access to contraception is also crucial during this time of health crisis.  It's one of the ways women can exercise their right to decide about their bodies and lives. Aside from that, guaranteed access to contraception also lessens demands on the health care system from unplanned pregnancy. 

However, due to the reallocation of health resources and disrupted supply chains during this pandemic, timely access to contraception is affected. The high price of contraception makes it more challenging to overcome, especially in these times of limited freedom of movement and economic restrictions.

Balanced gender representation in governing bodies and women's equal and full participation in the decision-making process is what we need to meet the needs of women in terms of sexual and reproductive health, most notably during this current health emergency.