The callers were in tears. One by one, women in

homes across rural Zimbabwe had a pleading

question: When would family planning

services return?

Lockdowns imposed to curb the coronavirus’

spread have put millions of women in Africa,

Asia and elsewhere out of reach of birth control

and other sexual and reproductive health needs.

Confined to their homes with their husbands

and others, they face unwanted pregnancies

and little idea of when they can reach the

outside world again.

In these uncertain times, women “have to lock

down their uterus,” Abebe Shibru, Zimbabwe

country director for Marie Stopes International,

told The Associated Press. “But there is no way in

a rural area.”

Eighteen countries in Africa have imposed

national lockdowns, according to the Africa

LOCKDOWNS

MEAN MILLIONS

OF WOMEN

CAN’T REACH

BIRTH CONTROL