At the time of this writing, global COVID19 cases are soaring again, and many locations are considering renewed measures to protect public health. To date, this pandemic has claimed over four million lives and over 200 million people have suffered and continue to suffer with complications of this disease. Yet, we are only beginning to learn the toll the pandemic has taken on essential health care utilization. Re-prioritization of health service resources and self- and system-imposed delays in care-seeking have likely caused countless morbidity and mortality.
Even less is known about the gendered consequences of reduced care-seeking, and particularly the impact on fertility and abortion decision-making. This research topic will focus on the implications of COVID19 on abortion service utilization and care-seeking, some of which were caused by directives to self-quarantine and maintain social distancing, and for a plethora of other reasons. Research on the challenges faced and the solutions from programs, innovations, and adaptations put forward to access this essential care during a global pandemic is essential. Research and documentation of the changes in utilization, costs, service and supply chain interruptions, and linkages to other health and social services are key to institutionalizing the lessons we have learned and preparing us for future crises.
This Research Topic will focus on innovations and adaptations to abortion care programs and research necessitated by the global pandemic. We recognize that this work has evolved quickly and as such, we welcome a broad range of contributions, including Original Research, Reviews, Commentaries, Study Protocols, and Systematic Reviews.
At the time of this writing, global COVID19 cases are soaring again, and many locations are considering renewed measures to protect public health. To date, this pandemic has claimed over four million lives and over 200 million people have suffered and continue to suffer with complications of this disease. Yet, we are only beginning to learn the toll the pandemic has taken on essential health care utilization. Re-prioritization of health service resources and self- and system-imposed delays in care-seeking have likely caused countless morbidity and mortality.
Even less is known about the gendered consequences of reduced care-seeking, and particularly the impact on fertility and abortion decision-making. This research topic will focus on the implications of COVID19 on abortion service utilization and care-seeking, some of which were caused by directives to self-quarantine and maintain social distancing, and for a plethora of other reasons. Research on the challenges faced and the solutions from programs, innovations, and adaptations put forward to access this essential care during a global pandemic is essential. Research and documentation of the changes in utilization, costs, service and supply chain interruptions, and linkages to other health and social services are key to institutionalizing the lessons we have learned and preparing us for future crises.
This Research Topic will focus on innovations and adaptations to abortion care programs and research necessitated by the global pandemic. We recognize that this work has evolved quickly and as such, we welcome a broad range of contributions, including Original Research, Reviews, Commentaries, Study Protocols, and Systematic Reviews.