Protect women's health and rights during the Zika crisis
It's simple: women and girls deserve healthcare. But the inadequate response by national and global leaders to the growing Zika epidemic is a health and human rights disaster. Vulnerable groups are bearing the brunt of the crisis, particularly poor and rural women and girls across the Americas and Caribbean.
And there's no end in sight. Zika is like nothing we have seen before — a mosquito-borne virus transmitted through pregnancy and sex and can cause a staggering range of neurological conditions.
Zika exposes the unfinished reproductive health agenda in Latin America and the Caribbean — now is the time to rally for countless women who need, want, and deserve contraception, compassion, and care.
Sign your name: urge governments, donor nations, and public health agencies to take bold action so women can protect themselves and determine their own futures.
Dear Decision Maker:
Throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, women who are socially and economically disadvantaged are suffering the worst consequences of inaction during the Zika crisis. We can't wait any longer.
I join countless advocates in calling on governments, donor nations, and agencies like the World Health Organization to take bold action for women and prioritize a sustained commitment to protect their rights before, during, and after pregnancy. We call on you to provide:
- Universal access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services including care during pregnancy, access to safe abortion, emergency contraception, sexuality education, and contraception.
- Access to accurate and up-to-date information that informs individuals of their rights and how to prevent Zika infection.
- Social support for women and children born with microcephaly, including addressing stigma and discrimination towards children with disabilities.
- Programs that engage men in pregnancy prevention and sexual health.
- Mosquito control programs that protect the environment and not harm the health and rights of poor and marginalized communities.
Women and girls have the right to access all necessary reproductive services to avoid unintended pregnancies, safely terminate pregnancies, maintain healthy pregnancies, and give birth safely— during Zika and 365 days-a-year. Please help us ensure that women have the support they need, want, and deserve.
[your comment here]
Sincerely,
[your name]
