Marie Stopes International has warned that about 26, 600 females in the country, could lose access to contraceptive pill and post-abortion care, due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

According to a statement issued by the Non-Governmental Organisation, the effect could be devastating since it could lead to an additional 9, 768 unintended pregnancies, 16, 740 unsafe abortions and 92 pregnancy-related deaths.

The Country Director, Anne Coolen, explained that women and girls will pay the price if the government does not act now to safeguard access to essential healthcare, including contraceptives and post-abortions care.

“Delay to access caused by social distancing, healthcare shutdowns and travel restrictions will have a profound impact, meaning thousands of women and girls will face unintended pregnancies and possible unsafe abortions.”

Marie Stopes International is a non-governmental organisation providing contraception and safe abortion services in 37 countries around the world.

It lobbies for access to abortion and provides a variety of sexual and reproductive healthcare services including advice, vasectomies and abortions in the UK and other countries where it is legal to do so.