Tackling the maternal and reproductive health harms of fossil fuels and petrochemicals

By Association of Brazil’s Indigenous Peoples (APIB), Amazon Watch, Centre for Biological Diversity, Human Rights Watch, Women's Earth and Climate Action Network, WE DO

The health benefits of climate action for maternal and reproductive health begin with a fast, fair, and equitable fossil fuel phase out. Worldwide, the increased risk of maternal and reproductive health harm from exposure to fossil fuel and petrochemical operations has been well-documented, though, like most health harms experienced by women, receives inadequate attention from policy makers, health care providers, researchers, and advocates. Increased risks of preterm birth, low-weight birth, miscarriage, and early infant death have been documented among people living near or working in oil and gas production sites, petrochemical plants, oil refineries and power plants burning fossil fuels. The burning of fossil fuels is the primary contributor to air pollution–which contributed to 6 million preterm births and almost 3 million low-birth-weight babies in 2019 and an estimated 20% of newborn deaths worldwide in 2020– and the climate crisis, with grave and wide-ranging impacts on pregnant people and reproductive health. Economic systems tied to fossil fuel dependence drive increased militarism and a mounting toll on women and people’s reproductive health. A fair and fast phase out of fossil fuels and related petrochemicals and plastics (derived from fossil fuels) to a less extractive and exploitative economic model will reduce exposure and support maternal health and reproductive justice.