Reflections about Reproductive Planning in Brazil During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: Reproductive planning in Brazil has historically been the responsibility of individual women, with limited availability of health services. During the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the shortcomings of this system became even more evident. Methods: An integrative review was conducted using LILACS, MEDLINE, and SCOPUS databases, including publications in Portuguese, English, or Spanish, from March 2020 to April 2022, using the descriptors: family planning and COVID-19. A total of 1,030 publications were found, 69 of which were selected after reading the title and summary. After a review of abstracts, 4 were included in the final analysis. Results: Studies about the topic included a reflection article, a narrative review, a letter to the editor, and an orientation guide for healthcare professionals. Three analytical categories appeared: (1) Reproductive planning: recognition as an essential service; (2) Weaknesses in the provision of sexual and reproductive health services; and (3) Women as a vulnerable group. Discussion and Conclusion: With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, there were setbacks in Brazilian reproductive health care, such as a reduction in reproductive health services and a decrease in the supply of contraceptive and conception methods. These issues may explain the increase in the number of unplanned pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and the increase in maternal mortality rates that compromise the reproductive rights of Brazilian women.