From shortages of contraceptive supplies, to increases in sexual violence, to mothers being forced to deliver their children without support, the spread of Covid-19 and quarantine measures have had a dramatic effect on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) around the world. Cuts to the funding of international health organisations and deepening inequalities along the lines of race, class, and gender have only further heightened negative outcomes. And yet, the pandemic may also create some opportunities: for example, clinics and even some national health services have begun providing the abortion pill by a telemedicine, a procedure that, if standardised, could dramatically increase access to abortion. How can we manage the effects of the pandemic/lockdown on SRHR, and use this experience to build a more just post covid-19 world?
Speakers
- Loretta Ross, Visiting Associate Professor, Program for the Study of Women and Gender, Smith College
- Venkatraman Chandra-Mouli, Scientist, Addressing Vulnerable Populations Unit, Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research Department, WHO
- Paola Daher, Senior Global Advocacy Advisor, Center for Reproductive Rights
- Moderated by Nicole Bourbonnais, Associate Professor of International History, The Graduate Institute
