Human Rights Measure

The National Directorate of Sexual and Reproductive Health (NDSRH) issued a series of five “Informative Notes” (while not all of the “notes” directly address reproductive rights in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, they are all included here for the sake of completeness and those specific to the pandemic are noted as such). “Recommendations to Guarantee Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health Benefits in the Context of the COVID-19 Pandemic” (Note 1) emphasizes that “access to contraceptive methods is an essential health service that must be guaranteed even in the context of the pandemic,” that “emergency contraception in particular is an essential and emergency provision in the context of the pandemic,” and that access to legal interruption of pregnancy “is an emergency health service and essential in the context of pandemic, especially time-sensitive, the denial of which has determinant effects on the life of women, girls and adolescents.” “Contraceptive Methods: Access and Replacement in the Context of the Pandemic” (Note 2) contains guidelines with respect to providing advice to those individuals who would like to change their method of contraception, and notes that the provision of modern contraceptive methods, advice, and related services should “be accessible during the response to the pandemic of COVID-19.” “Contraceptive Methods: Access and Replacement in the Context of the Pandemic Changes regarding IUD with Levonorgestrel” (Note 3) explains that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the use of intrauterine devices for six years to avoid pregnancy; previously, it was indicated that protection was only provided for five years. Note 3 also references Note 2’s language regarding “the importance of access to information and health benefits” during the pandemic. “Attention to Girls and Adolescents Under 15 Years of Age” (Note 4) emphasizes that when girls or adolescents under 15 years of age request a contraceptive method, it is fundamental to “provide all information that will allow a choice to be made regarding contraception.” And “Voluntary and Legal Interruption of Pregnancy” (Note 5 ) clarifies the grounds on which the interruption of pregnancy is legally permitted and establishes “the rights and minimum conditions that should be guaranteed and respected” in providing abortion and post-abortion care including, among others, dignified treatment, privacy, and confidentiality.