The global impact of COVID-19 on abortion care

Isabella Ong; Aqilah Dariah Mohd Zulkarnain; Kelly Zhi Qi Lim; Daniel Boon Loong Teh; Wilson Tam; Zhongwei Huang

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16094

The global impact of COVID-19 on abortion care

Heliyon. 2023 May 8;9(5):e16094. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e16094. eCollection 2023 May.

Authors

Isabella Ong¹, Aqilah Dariah Mohd Zulkarnain¹, Kelly Zhi Qi Lim¹, Daniel Boon Loong Teh², Wilson Tam³, Zhongwei Huang^{4

5}

Affiliations

¹ Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 11, 119228, Singapore.
² Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117456, Singapore.
³ Alice Lee Centre for Nursing Studies, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Level 2, MD 11, 10 Medical Drive, 117597, Singapore.
⁴ Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 1E Kent Ridge Road, NUHS Tower Block, Level 12, 119228, Singapore.
⁵ NUS Bia-Echo Asia Centre for Reproductive Longevity and Equality, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic placed unprecedented strain on healthcare globally, which exacerbated factors leading to unplanned pregnancies.

Objectives: The primary objective was to analyze the effect of COVID-19 on abortion services globally. Secondary objectives were to discuss issues regarding access to safe abortion and provide recommendations on continued access during pandemics.

Search strategy: A search for relevant articles was conducted by utilizing multiple databases (PubMed, Cochrane, etc.).

Selection criteria: Studies on COVID-19 and abortion were included.

Data collection & analysis: The legislation governing abortion services across the globe was examined, inclusive of modifications to service provision during the pandemic. Global data on abortion rates and analyses of selected articles were also included.

Main results: 14 countries instituted legislative changes related to the pandemic, 11 relaxed abortion regulations, while three restricted abortion access. An increase in abortion rates was seen particularly where telemedicine was available. Where abortions were postponed, second-trimester abortions increased after services resumed.

Conclusions: Legislation, risk of exposure to infection, and access to telemedicine affect access to abortion. The use of novel technologies, maintaining existing infrastructure and enhancing the roles of trained manpower for safe abortion access is recommended to avoid the marginalization of women's health and reproductive rights.

Keywords: Abortion; COVID-19; Contraception; Pandemic; SRH.