Zika Virus Climate Change and Woman's Right to Timing of her Pregnancy

The Zika Virus has the world living in a new sphere of fear. Heavy rainand heat are among the climatic factors that are contributing to the spread of the Zika Virus. Climate change could play a future role in this virus’ — as well asother mosquito-borne illnesses— spread as change in climatic conditions creates conditions more favorable to the mosquitoes that transmit it.

The US Centre for Disease Control (CDC) says the best way to avoid Zika virus infection is \"to prevent mosquito bites and to avoid exposure to semen from someone who has been exposed to Zika\". Most infected persons do not experience symptoms so how can one person avoid exposure to semen of another person who may be infected? There is implication for the reproductive health of the people around the world.

Some governments in the Western Hemisphere are advising women of childbearing ages to delay pregnancy. But what about the many barriers to women this suggest:

1. Unmet need for contraceptives
2. Restricted access to contraceptives for some
3. Potential increase in unsafe abortions in countries where abortions are illegal.
4. Women who are having babies at an older age may be unable to realize their desire, delaying pregnancy for a year or more.
5. Women may find the delay to be a restriction of their choice and their right to determine the timing of their pregnancies.

You can learn more about the history of the Zika virus at this website http://www.healthmap.org/site/diseasedaily/article/spotlight-zika-virus-...