Climate crisis – consequences for obstetrics and women’s health

German perspective

The German perspective was published in a position paper, which was co-authored by the German Society for Gynaecology and Obstetrics, the Professional Association of Gynaecologists and a further 10 working groups and 6 specialist associations.
The following aspects are emphasised in the paper:
The environmental and climate crisis is the greatest threat to our health in the 21st century, affecting people worldwide to varying degrees. Vulnerable population groups, especially women and children, but also the elderly, the chronically ill and the socially disadvantaged, are increasingly suffering from the effects, as are future generations. Pregnant women, newborns and young children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of heat stress and dehydration due to their limited ability to adapt. An American meta-analysis of numerous studies on the effects of heat and particulate matter pollution on the course of pregnancy describes an increase in premature births of around 15%, low birth weight of around 30% and an increase in stillbirths of up to 14.5% (Bekkar et al. JAMA Netw Open 2020; 3: e208242).

The healthcare system must be put in a position to absorb the health effects of the climate crisis, which will increase sharply in the coming years, and to meet the growing demands that this will bring. Medical professionals will increasingly have to focus on the prevention of diseases.
Gynaecologists, midwives and nurses in particular should work towards a sustainable transformation in the healthcare system. If we see ourselves as part of the solution, network and become active, we will achieve positive changes.
The position paper lists numerous proposals for action in the inpatient and outpatient care sector. In addition to the options for action for practices and clinics, the professional policy area is also discussed and, finally, the tasks in patient contact. Gynaecologists and midwives should use their expertise and patient contacts to provide climate-sensitive advice to particularly vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, infants and young children, as well as the chronically ill, the obese and the elderly, so that they can protect themselves from the consequences of heat stress, dehydration and air pollution, which are the main consequences of the climate crisis in Central Europe. (Bechert et al. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2024; 84: 319-24. DOI: 10.1055/a-2232-3981).

FIGO statement

The FIGO, International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics, has already established its own Committee on Climate Change and Toxic Environmental Exposures, which has highlighted the links between the climate crisis and health consequences, as well as providing clear guidance on the measures needed to protect the climate in our areas of work and on specific climate-friendly measures in clinics and practices. Read the full statement here: https://www.figo.org/news/statement-climate-crisis-and-health.

We hereby invite our members, especially those on the Executive Committee, to submit the statements, experiences and activities of their national societies to our Board for publication on our website.

Mechthild Neises-Rudolf, ISPOG President

The picture is drawn by Hinari Koizumi at 10 years old in ISPOG’s diamond jubilee year 2022. She is the granddaughter of dr. Hiroko Komura, former vice-president of the Japanese POG society.