Women & The Pandemic debuts tonight on CBS

(CBS) — Tonight, the CBS EVENING NEWS with NORAH O’DONNELL (6:30 -7:00 PM, ET) will launch “Women & The Pandemic,” a new week-long series dedicated to exploring the unique impact COVID-19 is having on women, who are more likely to bear the brunt of the economic and societal consequences. The series will also set out to answer some of our viewers’ most asked questions.

“The pandemic has taken a devastating toll on women,” said Norah O’Donnell, anchor and managing editor of the CBS EVENING NEWS. “Women are leaving the workforce in greater numbers than men and shouldering a heavier burden at home. We’ve also had viewers ask, ‘Is the vaccine safe for pregnant women? Does it affect fertility?’ We wanted to help and that’s why we’ve launched this reporting series.”

This week, O’Donnell and a team of CBS News correspondents will uncover the ways women have been impacted by the pandemic. Through original reporting and insightful interviews, “Women & the Pandemic” sets out to shine a light on the crucial issues facing women and provide new information to help them make informed decisions for themselves and their families.

CBS News correspondent Mireya Villarreal kicks off the series tonight, Feb. 1, with a look at the safety of COVID-19 vaccines during pregnancy. CBS News correspondent Adriana Diaz will report on women and the workforce during the pandemic. CBS News correspondent Nikki Battiste will report on the big question among young women: does the COVID-19 vaccine cause infertility? Plus, Norah O’Donnell will report on the pandemic’s economic impact on women and the need for programs specifically designed to help them recover financially.

“Women & the Pandemic” is the latest series the CBS EVENING NEWS has launched to dive deep on critical issues related to the pandemic, including Racing to a Cure, which examines the latest innovative trials and treatments for COVID-19 and The New Normal: Back to School, which explores the state of education through the experiences of students, parents, and administrators. CBS News is also continuing to cover the inequities and unique impact on communities of color throughout the pandemic on the CBS EVENING NEWS and other broadcasts.