A report released by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has indicated that ongoing lockdowns and disruptions in health services during the COVID-19 pandemic could lead to seven million unplanned pregnancies in the months ahead.
The report projected that the number of women who have been unable to access family planning risk unintended pregnancies, gender-based violence and other harmful practices and the number could “skyrocket” by millions.
The research was conducted by UNFPA in collaboration with Avenir Health, Johns Hopkins University in the United States and Victoria University in Australia.
Executive Director of UNFPA, Dr. Natalia Kanem, said, “This new data shows the catastrophic impact that COVID-19 could soon have on women and girls globally.
“The pandemic is deepening inequalities and millions more women and girls now risk losing the ability to plan their families and protect their bodies and their health.”
“Women’s reproductive health and rights must be safeguarded at all costs. The services must continue the supplies must be delivered and the vulnerable must be protected and supported.”