The impact of coronavirus on reproduction: contraceptive access, pregnancy rates, pregnancy delay, and the role of vaccination

Abstract

It is important to closely examine trends in reproduction during a pandemic because it provides not only the foundation for an improved future response but also crucial insights regarding the disparate impact across different races and socioeconomic classes. The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic is a prime example of the impact a pandemic can have on a nation’s reproductive health. Contraception and abortion access became more difficult with more barriers to access, likely contributing to increasing unintended pregnancy rates. Underrepresented minorities and vulnerable populations were disproportionately affected by the virus on their reproductive health as well as by the virus itself. As the first ever messenger ribonucleic acid vaccine in conjunction with the lack of inclusion of pregnant and peripartum women in initial studies and conflicting and misinformation on social media, the initial role of the coronavirus disease 2019 vaccine in women of reproductive age was unclear. Further research inclusive of this group of women has led to the consensus by major medical societies to recommend vaccination of women regardless of pregnancy or lactating status.

Examining these topics in depth will lead to the development of strategies that can be employed to mitigate the negative effects on reproductive health during the current pandemic and can also be applied to future strategic plans to prevent similar negative outcomes.