There is no denying that the Zika Virus epidemic is more a threat to women than it is to men. While it has yet to be proven, there are already studies pointing to a possible link between the recent Zika outbreak and the increase of babies born with birth defects. Because of the concerns over the safety of women in the midst of the pandemic, the UN has since commented about the issue. According to the global governing agency, it is imperative that women are given access to information, support and treatment should they become pregnant and infected by the disease.
"Upholding human rights is essential to an effective public health response and this requires that governments ensure women, men and adolescents have access to comprehensive and affordable quality sexual and reproductive health services and information, without discrimination" explained Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Since the announcement, members of the liberal Catholic group, Catholics for Choice, have strongly urged the pope to lift the ban on contraceptives in order to halt the spread of the Zika virus. The group has since placed an ad on the International New York Times in the hopes of reaching Pope Francis during his five day visit to Mexico.
"When you travel tomorrow to Latin America, we ask you, Francis, to make it clear to your brother bishops that good Catholics can follow their conscience and use birth control to protect themselves and their partners" read a part of the ad as reported by The Financial Times.
The Catholic Church has indoctrinated the ban on contraceptives in the encyclical "Humanae Vitae" written by Pope Paul almost half a century ago. the encyclical specifically prohibits Catholics from using artificial birth control as it is deemed to block the process of procreation.