Experts on the reproductive well-being of women are worried that the COVID-19 outbreak may be making it difficult for women to avail of sexual healthcare. According to doctors, the global pandemic must not hinder women who have regular appointments and screenings (like pap smears and breast ultrasound) to go and see the doctor and undergo their tests.
Despite the need to continue reproductive healthcare, women may have various reasons why they choose to delay their check-ups and tests amid the pandemic. Here are some factors to be considered:
- Fear of contracting the virus at healthcare centers or during the travel to clinics. This is the most common reason why women would not risk getting check-ups and tests. COVID-19 cases would usually take up bed spaces in hospitals and for months, clinics and emergency rooms became hot spots for infection, despite the strict health protocols in these places. An alternative to personally going for a check-up at a walk-in clinic Guelph or hospitals is having a virtual consultation with an online doctor. Online doctors can advise you on your treatments and prescriptions in the comfort of your homes. Most of the time, the consultation fee is also covered by insurance, so there is no harm to try it.
- Loss of a job to sustain regular tests, treatments, and medications. Women who are facing financial burdens are most likely to cancel their trip to the doctor or testing centers. The COVID-19, affecting the economic landscape of the country, caused massive lay-offs in various business industries. Losing a job can sometimes also mean losing the health benefits covering birth control medications and other prescription. It’s a good thing though, that Canada has universal health care. Take advantage of free consultations and free medication if you have your health card.
- Lack of safe transportation. Public transportations became high-risk places during with the novel coronavirus still hanging around. If a woman is stuck at home and she does not have any access to private transportation to safely bring her to hospitals and clinics, then she would most likely choose to just stay at home.
These are just a few reasons that hinder women to seek proper sexual healthcare.
How do Canadians respond to this concern?
According to a national poll conducted in August 2020 by the Canadian Women’s Foundation, there is an existing public concern regarding the welfare of women amid the pandemic. It was found that 71% of respondents believe that females are more susceptible to domestic violence because of mandatory isolation. Around 59% of the population are worried that Canadian women have a more significant possibility of being terminated at work because of the economic impacts of the pandemic. On the other hand, 63% think that females are more exposed to COVID-19 because most of them work in high-risk care and service industries, like nursing and grocery service. Overall, the poll showed that 60% of Canadians are keen on seeing the government come up with programs to address the impact of COVID-19 among women.
So why is women’s reproductive healthcare crucial during the pandemic? Taking a cue from the poll data of the Canadian Women’s Foundation, here are the reasons:
- Women are susceptible to domestic violence. For women who are victims of sexual or physical cruelty, longer lockdowns mean prolonged exposure to the perpetrators of these actions. With this vulnerability, their right to have regular check-ups and access to birth control methods must not be hampered.
- There are crucial planned tests or maintenance medications that women need to take. Those who at at-risk for breast cancer and cervical cancer need the routine mammogram and pap smear, respectively, to monitor if there are any signs of these diseases. Birth control measures must not be delayed too. Women who are using birth control pills, for example, must not skip taking them, or else they will end up getting pregnant at a time of a global pandemic.
- They need assistance during the time that they are most financially vulnerable. Women who are affected by economic losses during the pandemic need help the most. Government-backed contingency plans are recommended to maintain free consultations and free reproductive health medications for women.
What can be done to help?
National and local governments including organizations and communities must commit to helping women pursue healthcare despite the global outbreak. The following can be done:
- Introduction of virtual health care or online doctors to facilitate check-ups without putting women at risk during traveling or staying at hospitals or clinics.
- If women cannot go to health care providers, health care providers must go to women. Visitations from local health workers and volunteer organizations, subject to prevailing health protocols, can make a difference.
- Online campaigns on the importance of reproductive health care and why women should have themselves checked despite the COVID-19 threat.
- Incorporating women’s reproductive health services during important COVID-19 announcements.
With different stakeholders working together, Canada can surely make the country a better place for women stuck in the pandemic.