How ongoing conflict in Kashmir has affected women’s reproductive health

The political situation in India’s Jammu and Kashmir region has taken its toll on women, says a gynaecologist who has been practising for over 50 years

The recent coronavirus lockdown, last year’s clampdown, and a poor health system have also exacerbated depression, infertility and sexual dysfunction

Reading Time:4 minutes

Women are seen shopping in Srinagar, the summer capital of Indian Kashmir, as coronavirus restrictions were eased ahead of the Eid-ul-Adha religious festival. Women have borne the brunt of the ongoing conflict in Kashmir. Photo: EPA

Published: 4:30pm, 1 Aug 2020Updated: 7:14pm, 1 Aug 2020

As Covid-19 spread across India in March this year, Sumayya, 38, found herself worrying for a different reason.

Married for seven years, she had finally managed to conceive a baby through in vitro fertilisation (IVF), with the help of a clinic in the capital New Delhi, over 800km from her home in Kashmir.

Her two previous IVF attempts had failed. She had lost hope, money and peace of mind, causing a strain in her marriage. The couple's inability to conceive naturally was mainly attributed to their increased stress levels.

To ensure a successful pregnancy, doctors scheduled regular physical check-ups during the first trimester at the clinic in Delhi. But the strict lockdown imposed by the Narendra Modi-led BJP government in March made that difficult.

Schoolchildren have returned to open-air schools in Kashmir, after the coronavirus lockdown disrupted education in the region. Photo: AFP

Confined to rented accommodation in Delhi for three months, Sumayya’s stress worsened and depression set in. She got through it by having telephonic consultations with her gynaecologist and psychiatrist.

Select Voice

Choose your listening speed

Get through articles 2x faster

1.25x

250 WPM

Slow

Average

Fast

00:0000:00

1.25x