Contraceptives banned in Afghanistan: UN highlights risk of increased maternal mortality

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has stressed the importance of access to health services for pregnant women. The latest reports of restrictions on contraception in Afghanistan have sparked a new wave of international concern.

The UN Population Fund said that providing pregnant women with quality health services is an “undeniable necessity”, especially in countries with high maternal mortality rates.

Afghanistan currently has the highest rate of maternal deaths in Asia, prompting new statements from international organizations. This comes after reports of restrictions on hospital operations and access to contraceptives.

According to media reports, Taliban “morality police” in Herat province have closed several maternity wards. The authorities have also announced a ban on providing women with birth control pills and condoms, effectively depriving them of the opportunity to plan a family.

These decisions have provoked negative reactions from international organizations. The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that medical decisions should be based on scientific evidence and recommendations, not administrative restrictions.

Experts warn that reduced access to contraception could lead to an increase in unwanted pregnancies, complications during childbirth, and an even greater burden on an already strained health system.

UNFPA is calling for women to be provided with basic health services and stresses that protecting maternal health is critical to the stability of societies.

In addition, there was information about a massive airstrike carried out by Pakistan on Afghan territory, as a result of which large fires broke out in the capital Kabul, and local residents reported explosions and destruction.