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.

The Center for Global Development hosted an online discussion on the anticipated adverse impacts of COVID-19 on access to contraceptives and sexual and reproductive health more broadly—and possible mitigation strategies to protect hard-won gains for women and girls. Panelists examined existing structural and systemic barriers to service provision and access that may be amplified by COVID-19, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized groups. The panel also addressed how low- and middle-income country policymakers, with the support of donors, the private sector, and other development partners, can reinforce the centrality of sexual and reproductive health as an essential healthcare service through the pandemic and beyond.