COVID-19 has globally created unprecedented challenges to individuals, health systems, economies and societies; nevertheless, reproductive rights such as access to safe methods of fertility regulation including emergency contraception, safe abortion when permitted, and the provision of services for infertile women and men, should not be restricted. Instead, efforts must be directed to harmonize these fertility services with society’s needs to protect and prevent the expansion of COVID-19.
The right of women and men to have children and build their families, despite this pandemic, must be respected as an expression of hope in the midst of fear and despair. Countries and institutions should be encouraged to provide scientifically based reproductive counselling and ensure access to and safe delivery of reproductive technology for those who now need either to preserve their fertility or undergo fertility management.