An estimated 8 million women worldwide have faced significant barriers and lost access to essential sexual and reproductive health services. This setback represents a critical issue, potentially impacting women’s health and rights, including access to contraception, maternal health care, and reproductive rights.
The disruption in services is attributed to various factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic, which strained health systems and diverted resources away from essential services. Additionally, economic challenges, political decisions, and logistical barriers have contributed to the decline in access to critical health services for women globally.
The loss of access to sexual and reproductive health services poses serious risks, such as unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and maternal mortality. It also undermines efforts to achieve gender equality and fulfill women’s rights to health and autonomy.
Addressing this issue requires concerted efforts from governments, international organizations, and civil society to prioritize and restore comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services. Ensuring access to these services is not only crucial for women’s health and well-being but also for advancing sustainable development goals and promoting gender equity worldwide.
