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Medical services and protection for women are provided by the Department of Health and the UNFPA

The Department of Health (DOH) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) are concerned that the increase in coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) cases and the destruction caused by Typhoon Odette in the Visayas and Mindanao will affect pregnant women, particularly those with high-risk pregnancies, and domestic violence victims.

According to a news release issued by the Department of Health on Wednesday, tales in the media have surfaced of women in labor being turned away from hospitals owing to overcapacity.

It stated that as hospital capacity grows owing to Covid-19 patients, and possible closures, as well as community quarantines, more women in need will be cut off from crucial medical and protective services, putting themselves and their unborn children in grave danger.

According to preliminary data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Civil Registry, the number of mothers dying after childbirth increased by 30% in 2020, and the trend is expected to continue in 2021.

Unintended pregnancies could rise to as high as 42%.

The UNFPA, the UN agency committed to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) and the prevention of gender-based violence (GBV), conducted a study in early 2020 that found that more women delivered at home than in prior years.

In January 2021, three times more women gave birth at home in Metro Manila than in the same period in the pre-pandemic year of 2020.

“The needs of pregnant and nursing mothers, as well as domestic abuse victims, must not be overlooked.” “Not just during the epidemic, but also beyond these challenging times, we must ensure the continuity of important and life-saving SRH and GBV services,” stated Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.

“During this Covid-19 surge and throughout the Typhoon Odette relief efforts, we need to act quickly and together to ensure women and girls have safe pregnancy and childbirth, continue to have access to sexual and reproductive health services, and are protected from domestic violence,” UNFPA Philippine Country Representative Dr. Leila Joudane said.

Apart from lobbying for helplines to remain open to accommodate the requirements of women for family planning and GBV response, the UNFPA and the Department of Health urged all partners, both private and public, to prioritize the needs of pregnant and breastfeeding women and victims of domestic violence.

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