Around the world, the COVID-19 pandemic threatens access to sexual and reproductive health, including contraceptive services, for women and girls who are disproportionately affected by the crisis in a myriad of ways. Alongside broader health needs, disruptions to sexual and reproductive health services are driven by supply-side challenges, such as supply chain interruptions, stockouts, and health worker shortages, as well as demand-side obstacles, including travel restrictions, fear of visiting health facilities, and reduced income to cover out-of-pocket costs. We know from previous crises that reduced access to sexual and reproductive health results in increased rates of unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal and infant mortality—alongside other long-lasting effects for women, girls, and their communities. Available projections suggest the impacts for women and girls unable to access modern contraceptives and other services could be staggering.
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