Because of strict COVID-19 lockdown rules, women can’t even visit a health facility or pharmacy two blocks away to get birth control. Meanwhile, contraceptive supplies are dwindling in health facilities due to supply chain disruptions. This could lead to a surge in unplanned pregnancies.

An unplanned pregnancy disrupts a woman’s life in so many ways—even more so during a pandemic of this magnitude. With little to no opportunities to work, families find it harder to put food on the table.

An unintended pregnancy also puts a woman’s health at risk. Women whose pregnancies are unplanned do not get prenatal care. This makes them more likely to go through early labor or give birth to infants with low birth weight.

And as hospitals scramble to handle COVID-19 cases, a surge in unplanned pregnancies will burden the health system even more.

Many women in the Philippines do not have access to birth control. This has been true, even before COVID-19.

Unfortunately, when Puerto Princesa was placed under a strict lockdown in March, we had to close our reproductive health clinics and office. But when a government health provider from a remote health center asked us for help, our midwife May went the extra mile.

Armed with syringes and supplies from our clinic, she drove to their community and gave women free shots of DMPA, an injectable contraceptive. This shot prevents pregnancy for up to three months.

Thanks to May, more women can have better health, some peace of mind, and one less thing to worry about during this pandemic.

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