More unplanned babies expected this year
Lockdown could cause millions of unplanned pregnancies
THE worldwide Covid-19 lockdown will no doubt lead to millions of unwanted pregnancies.
According to United Nations Population Fund’s Executive Director, Dr Natalia Kanem, a recent study indicates more than 47 million women across the world are currently at risk of sexual abuse and unwanted pregnancies.
Kanem said the coronavirus pandemic will cause unintended pregnancies as millions of women are unable to access modern contraceptives.
The study further suggests that for every three months of continued lockdown, an additional
15 million cases of gender-based violence will be reported.
‘Fresh 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,’ said Kanem.
Things every pregnant woman should follow during the Covid-19 pandemic
- Stay clear of people as much as possible – in other words, practice ‘social distancing’
- Keep a distance of at least two metres from anyone who is sick or is displaying symptoms
- Wear a clean cloth face mask
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser that contains 60% alcohol
- Cover your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when you cough or sneeze
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if your hands aren’t clean
- Clean and disinfect surfaces you often touch on a daily basis
