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October 21,2021

Anna Murray 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of women around the world have had restricted access to maternal and newborn healthcare. Sexual and reproductive health rights, according to Special Rapporteur Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, are also human rights. Around 14 million women do not have simple access to contraception. Victims suffering from gender-based violence have insufficient assistance.

Governments set up rules of movement restrictions and lockdowns to prevent the spread of coronavirus. These new rules implemented in various regions. This would have a huge impact globally on physical and mental services. Dr. Tlaleng pointed out during the pandemic, these were obstacles to hinder the improvement of sexual and reproductive health rights.

Women in Europe are impacted in their health rights. Some Europe countries are difficult to access abortion for many years. For instance, abortion is illegal in Malta. The government of Malta implemented strict rules to seek abortion assistance overseas. Besides, numerous reports state the pandemic have influenced the care of childbirth. Examples included mothers and new-born babies were medically separated and companies were not allowed when mother gave birth. These situations existed for many years but the pandemic made situations even worse. 

In the special report of Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, she emphasized the importance of major principles of autonomy, dignity and well-being of individuals. Governments should remove any obstacles to rebuild health care systems and health educations to reach equalities. These are responsibilities for officials to protect human rights and restore women’s health rights at this critical moment.