The Effects of COVID-19 Pandemic on Women’s Access to Reproductive Health and Family Planning Services in Egypt: An exploratory study

Abstract Background The COVID-19 pandemic has been noted to decrease access to reproductive health / family planning (RH/FP) services globally. We qualitatively explored women’s experiences in accessing RH/FP services during the COVID-19 lockdown months in Egypt. Methods Using semi-structured interviews, a total of 40 women in the Port Said and Souhag governorates were asked about (1) the initial provider they sought services from before COVID-19 lockdown, (2) challenges in accessing that provider as a result of COVID-19, (3) adaptations that women or their families made as a result of those challenges, and (4) the impact of challenges or adaptations on women and their families. Results Many women were unable to access SRH/FP services during COVID-19 lockdown. Main challenges were fear of contracting the virus, closure of health facilities, changing service hours, FP method or drug stock-outs, and/or financial constraints due to job losses or increased costs of services. Women and their families used several coping strategies to overcome the above challenges such as seeking services at private facilities or skipping doctor’s visits. Coping strategies that some women used to address these challenges exposed them to additional health risks, including unintended pregnancies, and posed several social, emotional, and financial burdens to many. Conclusions COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdown measures undermined women’s access to RH / FP services and interfered with their ability to achieve their reproductive goals. This paper highlights a number of recommendations that can be utilized in times of crisis in order to ensure proper access and utilization of RH/FP services.