Why is sexual and reproductive health vital in a crisis?

In humanitarian emergencies, access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services is often disrupted just as the need becomes critical. Crises increase the risk of unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, sexually transmitted infections, and maternal and newborn deaths. Women, girls, displaced people and marginalised communities are hit hardest.

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) also rises. When protection systems break down and people are forced into overcrowded, unsafe conditions, the risk of violence and exploitation increases. Survivors can then face serious barriers to care, support and justice.

Yet SRH services, including SGBV response, are frequently overlooked in crisis planning and funding.

IPPF is responding. Locally led Member Associations deliver life-saving SRH services in some of the world’s most fragile settings. They work across the humanitarian cycle, from preparedness to recovery, and are trained to provide the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP), the global standard for SRH response in acute emergencies, covering contraception, STI prevention, safe childbirth, SGBV response and safe abortion care.

Contraception in emergencies

Contraception saves lives and is a priority health service in emergencies. Yet crises can disrupt supplies and close health facilities just when access is needed most. We provide contraception at the outset of every emergency response. This includes confidential, voluntary and informed access to a choice of contraceptive methods, including emergency contraception.

Safe abortion care in emergencies

In a humanitarian crisis women face an increased risk of sexual violence and unintended pregnancies, but the collapse of health systems means reduced access to both contraceptives and safe abortion and post abortion care. Safe abortion care, to the full extent of the law, is included as one of the crucial services required to respond to reproductive health needs at the onset of humanitarian crises.

Sexual and gender-based violence in emergencies

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is pervasive and exacerbated in every humanitarian emergency. Yet protection from SGBV is often not treated as a priority from the earliest stages of a crisis. We ensure survivors of SGBV can access confidential and safe sexual and reproductive health services, psychological support, and referral pathways.

Maternal healthcare in emergencies

Globally, 61% of preventable maternal deaths take place in settings of conflict, fragility, displacement and natural disasters. Limited access to maternal care, and the extreme stress of humanitarian emergencies, can lead to pregnancy complications, miscarriage, premature births and unsafe deliveries. We ensure vital access to ante-natal and post-natal care, support safe births, and support referrals for maternal and newborn care.

Responding to crisis

Conflict

Globally, 1 in 6 people are now exposed to some form of conflict. States are increasingly drivers of violence, while civilian protection is being deprioritised. Conflict can lead to the destruction of health facilities and infrastructure, mass displacement, and the use of sexual and gender-based violence as a weapon of war. IPPF Member Associations are embedded in conflict contexts, such as Gaza, Sudan and Lebanon, ensuring the continued provision of vital sexual and reproductive health services in even the most hard-to-reach areas.

Migration and displacement

Migration routes increasingly span international borders, but at every stage of their journey women, girls and marginalised communities are exposed to violence, exploitation and barriers to essential services. With legal pathways for migration shrinking, and funding cuts hitting humanitarian support, at least 8,000 people died on migration routes in 2025. We’re working to deliver uninterrupted sexual and reproductive healthcare services along some of the world's most perilous migration corridors.

A woman in a grey t-shirt sits across a table from a health worker. Both are wearing face masks

The Climate Crisis

The climate crisis is already having serious consequences for health, rights and survival around the world. The impacts on sexual and reproductive health and rights can include reduced or unavailable services in disaster-affected areas, physiological effects linked to extreme heat and other climate-related hazards, changes in women’s family planning decisions due to uncertain futures, and increased sexual and gender-based violence.

IPPF is committed to helping communities adapt to its effects, strengthen locally led emergency preparedness and response, protect access to lifesaving services during crises and build understanding of the effects of climate change on sexual and reproductive health and rights, particularly for women, girls and marginalised communities.