MANILA, Philippines – Women and children should be given access to maternal health measures even with the existing health emergency due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a Commission on Human Rights (CHR) commissioner said on Wednesday. ADVERTISEMENTAt the very least, Dumpit said that the Department of Health (DOH) should ensure uninterrupted access to sexual and reproductive health services, and to provide “clean and separate facilities for childbirth and neonatal care”. “Even with challenges brought about by the COVID-19, the right to health of women and children must continue to be protected. “The fear of being infected with the novel coronavirus also deters pregnant women from going to health care facilities for checkups and even deliveries. However, certain conditions like pregnancy check-ups which require ultrasound scans, force pregnant women to visit hospitals.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer April 29, 2020 10:07 UTC