Women & Abortion Services

WOMEN/ GOVERNANCE

Topic: General Studies 1,2:

• Mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections 

Women & Abortion Services

Context: The more serious ramifications of the pandemic has been the rather extensive, even if unintended, disruption of health-care services.

What impact did Pandemic have on Contraceptive & Abortion Services?

• Long lockdown periods led to disruption in family planning and contraception services i.e. it reduced the access to these services due to restrictions imposed.
• About two million women missed out on services between January and June; 1.3 million were in India alone

Factors that caused disruption in contraceptive services are:

• Diversion of Health Services: The bulk of health-care services shifting to cater to COVID-19 related emergencies led to shortage in abortion services
• Disruption of Transport: India listed abortions as essential services under the lockdown, but the disruption of transport services hampered access to centres of care
• Lack of awareness about these services being available during this period also restricted the ability to access these services
• Shortage of drugs: A study in six States by the Foundation for Reproductive Health Services India, showed a severe shortage of medical abortion drugs in pharmacies.

What has been the consequences?

Reduced access to contraceptive & abortion serviced has led to 

• Unwanted pregnancies: UNFPA projections indicate an additional 7 million unintended pregnancies are expected to occur.
• Increase in domestic violence
• Increased maternal mortality
• Constrained the reproductive rights of women

Way Ahead

• The need for contraceptive services remains high in India, with over 1 in 3 women (35%) reporting a need for contraceptive advice
• Providing uninterrupted abortion and contraceptive counselling, devices and care services are essential to safeguard women
• Contraceptive & Abortion services must continue through measures such as telemedicine, incentives to local clinics to open their doors, resolving drug supply chain disruption.

Connecting the dots:

• Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act amendments