Contraceptive services made “even worse” following pandemic

A group of MPs and peers has warned that the coronavirus pandemic has made a “difficult situation even worse” for women trying to access contraception.

Their inquiry claims that years of cutbacks means patients “have to navigate a complex system just to receive basic healthcare” and warns that damage caused by the pandemic could lead to a rise in abortions and unplanned pregnancies.

They went on to say that the underfunding of long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) – intrauterine contraception and implants – means GPs are not motivated to offer these options, which has contributed to a “postcode lottery” when it comes to services.

The British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) has previously called for the provision of emergency contraception in supermarkets without the need for a consultation after figures suggested that access to the morning-after pill had significantly fallen during lockdown.

Dr Asha Kasliwal, president of the Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare, said “Covid-19 made a difficult situation worse. Funding and commissioning challenges have led to an overstretched underfunded service that was not sustainably supported to provide care to women and girls either before or during a pandemic.”

A spokesperson from the Department for Health and Social Care said “Even in these unprecedented times, it is essential that the public receive the best possible sexual health services, many of which have moved online during the pandemic.

“The report has raised important issues, which will be considered as part of our upcoming work to develop the sexual and reproductive health strategy.”

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events. Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Freephone : 0800 304 738