The Virus Moved Female Faculty to the Brink. Will Universities Help?https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/06/science/covid-universities-women.html?campaign_id=10&emc=edit_gn_20201006&instance_id=22878&nl=in-her-words%C2%AEi_id=90620930&segment_id=40023&te=1&user_id=aacb3b4cc9615eda9d2ab0b2444b5059

Beyond COVID-19: Closing the Racial Health Gap

https://swhr.org/your-counselor-will-see-you-now-how-genetic-counselors-are-leading-the-way-on-telehealth/https://swhr.org/swhr_resource/swhr-urges-inclusion-of-expanded-pregnancy-related-medicaid-coverage-in-covid-19-legislation/

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1EkkRpxlT4GEcgcQCJq_dQ

Coronavirus

The coronavirus pandemic affects women’s health in a multitude of ways. In addition to the threat to women’s physical health, COVID-19 and its ramifications are creating burdens on women that negatively influence their mental, emotional, social, and financial health as well. In these challenging times, SWHR is committed to continuing our work to raise awareness about issues impacting women’s health. On this webpage, you will find original content from SWHR as well as information from reliable, evidence-based sources.

Women’s Health

SWHR, June 24, 2021

The national opioid epidemic was already raging before COVID-19 hit the United States. During the pandemic, the situation severely worsened, including for those who are pregnant.   


The women possibly at higher risk for Covid-19 that no one is talking about.
CNN, May 23, 2021
COVID-19 puts spotlight on disparities in research on women’s health
Good Morning America, May 19, 2021
Women in health care are at a breaking point — and they’re leaving
19th News, May 17, 2021
‘It’s really been a disaster’: How COVID-19 has endangered gender equity worldwide
19th News, May 4, 2021

Sex Differences

Yale School of Medicine, June 21, 2021

Accelerating the study of sex and gender disparities across all health conditions that affect women, such as COVID-19,  will forge a better path for research.


COVID-19 Vaccines: Sex Differences in Immune Responses
SWHR, May 18, 2021
Time Magazine, May 4, 2021
Men lag behind women in coronavirus vaccinations, especially in Black communities
New York Times, April 24, 2021

Pregnancy

NIH, June 23, 2021

National Institutes of Health (NIH) recently began conducting studies on pregnant and postpartum women to evaluate the immune responses generated by COVID-19 vaccines, and whether or not they can pass protection to their babies via the placenta or breast milk.

US births fell during the pandemic, CDC data show
CNN, June 23, 2021
Coronavirus Vaccines Protect Pregnant Women, Another Study Suggests
The New York Times, May 13, 2021
Can a vaccinated mother’s breast milk protect a child from covid-19? This scientist is searching for answers
The Lily, May 7, 2021
The U.S. Birth Rate Dropped Last Year, But Don’t Blame It All on the Pandemic
Time Magazine, May 5, 2021

Mental Health

The Pandemic Caused the Biggest Decline in U.S. Life Expectancy since World War 2. Black and Hispanic Americans Have Suffered the Most.

Time, June 23, 2021

Many women of color across the U.S. suffered from evictions during the pandemic. According to studies, evicted individuals have worse mental health and are more likely to be hospitalized for a mental health crisis.


Instagram, other online resources are helping address Black women’s mental health
19th News, June 10, 2021
Postpartum Mental Health Visits Spike 30% During Pandemic, Study Finds
Forbes, June 7, 2021
Working women face ‘perfect storm,’ study finds.
NBC News, May 19, 2021

Domestic Violence

He threatened her with a knife. Then the pandemic trapped them inside together.

The Lily, June 10, 2021

Reports of domestic violence increased during the pandemic, as many victims were forced to stay at home with their abusers. Abuse victims are now trying to figure out what life will be like after the pandemic


A Handful of States Fueled a National Increase in Domestic Violence Shooting Deaths as COVID-19 Spread
PBS, June 2, 2021
Biden administration allocates $200 million to support survivors of domestic violence.
CNN, May 24, 2021
How to better support survivors of domestic violence in a pandemic, according to experts
The Lily, May 11, 2021

Caregiving

Confessions of caregiver burnout: 5 women dealing with childcare and family needs reveal how the pandemic pushed them to a breaking point

Insider, June 13, 2021

Many women have felt overwhelmed and exhausted due to extra caregiving responsibilities while balancing their work in the pandemic.


The Pandemic Created a Child-Care Crisis. Mothers Bore the Burden.
The New York Times, May 17, 2021
COVID-19 Impedes Career Progress for Women in STEMM
SWHR, April 22, 2021
Biden’s new $1.8 trillion plan largely aims to help working women
19th News, April 28, 2021

Pandemic Response

Biden administration extends eviction moratorium through July.

NBC, June 24, 2021

For many Americans, particularly Black and Hispanic women, navigating a public health crisis without a house has been a harsh reality. President Biden’s decision to put a moratorium on evictions until July may help  mitigate the negative health effects that are commonly connected with evictions.


Inside the Biden Administration’s Grassroots Push to Get America Vaccinated
Time, June 23, 2021
What do women want for Mother’s Day? Biden hopes he has some answers.
Washington Post, May 9, 2021
Women And The Pandemic: Serious Damage To Work, Health And Home Demands Response
Forbes, April 18, 2021

Testing & Treatment

The connection between COVID-19 vaccines and lumps in women
Poynter, June 22, 2021

Lymph node swelling is a common side effect of many vaccinations, not just COVID-19 vaccines. Some women who received the Pfizer vaccine also experienced these side effects.


CDC expects Covid vaccine data on pregnant women this summer and on kids under 12 in the fall.
NBC News, May 19, 2021
With COVID vaccinations, CDC finds older women are being left behind
19th News, May 11, 2021
We don’t really know if vaccines have been distributed equitably
19th News, April 27, 2021
J&J’s Second Act Creates New Challenge for Immunization Effort
Bloomberg, April 26, 2021

Upcoming Events

 June 11 
HHS Office of Women’s Health
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office on Women’s Health is pleased to offer the following upcoming webinar in the ongoing COVID-19 Vaccines and Women series. Dr. Sabra Klein discusses examining vaccine immunological response differences by sex/gender.


The Health of Women 2021: COVID-19 & Mental Health Session
July 16
VCU Institute for Women’s Health