July 2020 – Worldwide, more than 5,600 clinics affiliated with International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF) have reported closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. An additional 23 reported a reduction in the ability to perform abortions.
IPPF claims difficulty in purchasing supplies such as personal protective equipment (PPE), which is likely true. PPE supplies have been prioritized to front-line health care workers battling COVID-19.
IPPF is also concerned that when the pandemic is over it may not be able to reopen all facilities, stating in a press release, “Without access to personal protective equipment and a secure supply of vital commodities like contraceptives, members will not be able to reopen lost service points, and more will close.”
