COVID Issues: Impact on Families and Family Planning

In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, many changes occurred worldwide to policies that influence an individual's reproductive autonomy and families’ wellbeing. Specifically, many reproductive treatments including abortions, contraceptive procedures, infertility treatments, and pregnancy protocols were delayed or altered in an attempt to reduce the spread of the COVID-19 virus. In order to assist families, counselors need to be aware of the implications of pandemic-related reproductive regulations affecting the overall mental health of families, especially women.