Women and girls in Europe
Safeguard reproductive freedom
The Covid-19 crisis is a stress test bringing to light the cracks in our societies, exacerbating existing inequalities.
Now it’s time for Europe to come together to build more equitable, caring and resilient societies and demand that our governments and the European Union place the values of care, equality and solidarity at the core of all public policy responses.
1
Young people’s access to SRH information, education and care in the Western Balkans in Covid times
March 30, 2022: A report that documents young people’s SRH needs and experiences during Covid-19 and the perspectives of healthcare providers and other relevant stakeholders on these needs.
2
COVID-19 IPPF innovation and best practice
July 9, 2021: The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on access to and enjoyment of sexual and reproductive health services and rights. But IPPF members’ resilience shined through. These are stories from Bulgaria, Serbia, Ireland and Estonia.
3
Brief on how members stood up for access to abortion care
August 6, 2020: Despite the difficulties they encountered, our members and partners stepped up to protect people’s reproductive safety from the very start of the crisis. They played a crucial role as healthcare providers and as advocates.
4
Blog on social inequality: the hidden side of the pandemic
June 12, 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic shows how the health crisis has hit marginalized groups particularly hard and how it increases their vulnerability. Youth, ethnic minorities, LGBTI+ people, women, children, people who take drugs, sex workers, people living with HIV are doubly marginalized.
5
Guide for Europe on protecting the rights of women and girls
May 26, 2020: This is a roadmap for governments for taking necessary measures to protect the rights of women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by the pandemic now and in its aftermath.
6
Report on women and girls left without care in Europe during COVID-19
April 28, 2020: An overview from our members of the impact of COVID-19 on the sexual and reproductive health and rights of people, particularly women and girls, in Europe. The report also looks at how Europe’s international cooperation on sexual and reproductive health and rights has been affected.
7
Civil society statement on a European response to COVID-19 rooted in values
April 22, 2020: About 50 organizations, including trade unions and major NGOs, have called on EU leaders to make the EU a better place: “one that is based on a socially just, feminist, sustainable, democratic and inclusive society.” Among the more specific concerns is the rule of law.
8
Press release: Polish ruling party exploits health crisis to attack women’s safety
April 14, 2020: Amid the Covid-19 pandemic, bills banning abortion care and endangering young people by criminalizing relationship and sexuality education were voted on in Parliament
9
Civil society statement on failures to guarantee safe access to abortion care
April 8, 2020: 100 NGOs call on European governments to urgently guarantee safe and timely access to abortion care for women and girls during the COVID-19 pandemic.
10
Blog on the current way women receive care and how our members are helping
April 1, 2020: No matter where we live, what we look like, or what income we might have, this pandemic affects us all. IPPF members around Europe and Central Asia, as throughout the world, continue to do their best to ensure that all people can lead safe and dignified reproductive lives even in confinement.
Women and girls around the world
Safeguard reproductive freedom across the globe
The EU should seize the opportunity to “build back better” by creating more sustainable, resilient and inclusive societies where SRHR are well recognized and integrated.
1
Report: COVID-19 and sexual and reproductive health in low and middle‑income countries
March 31, 2022: We take stock of the current evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on different aspects of sexual and reproductive health in low- and middle-income countries, including through a look at European donor trends related to sexual and reproductive health.
2
Brief: Advocacy good practices & lessons learned
July 13, 2020: IPPF Member Associations have been actively engaging in advocacy with decision makers at national, regional and international levels to ensure that access to SRHR is safeguarded and available to all who need it.
3
Press release: Opponents of sexual and reproductive health and rights step-up pressure during COVID-19
June 8, 2020: The latest IPPF survey of its worldwide membership on COVID-19 reveals that opponents of SRHR are employing a range of tactics to try to undermine sexual and reproductive rights.
4
Call to action: Asks for European donor governments on their international response to COVID-19
April 23, 2020: Under the Countdown 2030 Europe umbrella, advocates for universal access to family planning are calling for the prioritisation of sexual and reproductive health and rights. Universal health care, human rights, equality and solidarity should be at the core of any public policy and funding decision.
Blogs on the international response to the pandemic and the importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights from: The Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, Denmark.
5
Press release: COVID-19 pandemic cuts access to sexual and reproductive healthcare for women
April 9, 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic is having a major impact on the delivery of sexual and reproductive healthcare around the world, according to a survey of its national members conducted by IPPF.