Family planning supplies may be delivered door-to-door amid quarantine —DOH

Family planning services should not be compromised while the strict quarantine protocols against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are in place, according to the Department of Health on Wednesday.

"Pwedeng ibigay ang kanilang supply for three months. Ang ating barangay health workers din ay maaaring pumunta sa mga bahay-bahay ng ating mga kliyente for family planning para ibigay ang mga supplies na ito," Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a virtual press briefing.

While mobility has been limited due to the implementation of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine, Vergeire said that essential health services remain unhampered.

"Nagpalabas po tayo ng polisiya galing sa kagawaran na essential health services should continue... Definitely ang family planning services ay tuloy-tuloy po," she said.

She added that family planning efforts are being made in coordination with the Commission on Population and Development (POPCOM) and local government units.

Last month, the POPCOM reminded the public to prevent unplanned pregnancies during this time when couples are more likely to stay at home.

It stressed that historical evidence have shown spikes in unplanned pregnancies during natural calamities when couples and other individuals co-habitate for longer periods.

The enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and other high-risk provinces has been extended further to May 15.

President Rodrigo Duterte, in one of his reports to Congress this month, assured that family planning services had not been interrupted even as the government focuses on containing COVID-19.—AOL, GMA News