By Mohsin Khan Edited by Alejandro J. Ramos and Muhammad Hani Ahsan Graphic by Norie Wright and Arsh Naseer The COVID-19 pandemic has had severe impacts on the economy, society, and our way of living. The public health crisis and government responses led to a contraction of economic growth, domestic and international trade, and human… Read more »
Although the full extent of COVID-19’s wreckage remains unknown, devastating effects on health, society, and the economy have already affected reproductive autonomy in the United States. Challenges in gaining access to care, resource scarcities, and economic barriers have nearly all aspects of reproductive health choices, exacerbating a situation that is already difficult for many. The ability to exercise reproductive autonomy within the context of intimate relationships, sex, and family formation is central to our lives and our dignity as human beings, and does not cease during a pandemic.
Governments and policymakers must acknowledge that COVID-19 is a result of nature mismanagement and pledge more conscious efforts to conserve nature to prevent future pandemics. A nation’s relationship with the environment underpins the quality of all citizen’s lives, and COVID-19 is a concrete example of what will continue on a global scale if that synergy is not protected.