New FSRH patient guide: Advice for women seeking contraception, abortion and other SRH services during COVID-19

Today we are launching a guide for patients to help them stay informed about contraception and abortion services during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guide is designed to be used and distributed by healthcare professionals who want to support patients to understand their contraceptive options during the COVID-19 pandemic.

As well as supporting our members and SRH professionals, here at the FSRH we believe in supporting women’s choices especially during these unprecedented times. This is why we’ve created a practical guide for patients who need to access contraception, abortion care and other sexual and reproductive health services during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

Women should know that they can get telephone appointments with clinics or GPs and that they are still entitled to free contraception. The guide is based on FSRH clinical guidance on essential services and provision of effective contraception during the Covid-19 pandemicIt covers four key areas:

• Common questions: Covers the key changes to SRH service provisions, advice on who they should contact to access support and what can be expected from healthcare providers.
• How can I access…: Provides guidance on how to access a range of services, including LARCs, abortion care, prescriptions and emergency contraception.
• What if…: Answers the common questions asked by women seeking SRH support at this time.
• Useful links: We’ve shared links to the trusted sources of information for patients who require further advice on abortion, SRH and HIV services.

Our advice for women guide is designed to be used and distributed by healthcare professionals who want to support women to understand their options for contraception and sexual health care during the pandemic.

We are encouraging all healthcare professionals to share this with patients, colleagues and any local health networks they may be aware of. We believe it’s vital to ensure that women have access to the information they need to make the best choices for their sexual and reproductive health.

For healthcare professionals, our regularly updated COVID-19 resource page includes updated guidance, advice and support for SRH service provision during the pandemic.