PROTECTING SAFE ACCESS TO SEXUAL AND REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH SERVICES DURING COVID-19
The Women’s Legal Centre, Section 27 and the Sexual and Reproductive Justice Coalition are calling upon Minister of Health, Dr. Zweli Mkhize, to urgently and unequivocally confirm that sexual and reproductive health services are essential services in terms of the Covid-19 regulations, and that women must have access to them under safe conditions. Many women are suffering due to not being able to access these services and we urge the government to issue a directive that would enable these women to continue seeking sexual and reproductive health services, as well as being provided with primary healthcare services. Together with SRJC and Section 27, WLC wrote to the Minister to request an undertaking that sexual and reproductive health services is an essential service that should be accessible during the lockdown, and we listed the number of services that these would include. Please see our attached letter for more details. As the lockdown continues under Level 4, it is imperative that the government commits to providing women safe access to sexual and reproductive health services, and put the necessary mechanisms in place to safeguard access.
Letter to Minister of Health – Access to SRHR