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.
