Catholic group urges pope to allow contraception to fight Zika

A man walks in front of a graffiti of pregnancy on an overpass in Recife, Brazil, February 4, 2016. REUTERS/Ueslei Marcelino

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - A Roman Catholic group appealed to Pope Francis on Wednesday to allow Church members to "follow their conscience" and use contraception or to let women have abortions to protect themselves against the Zika virus.

The appeal came as the World Health Organization (WHO) advised women in areas with the virus to protect themselves, especially during pregnancy, by covering up against mosquitoes and practising safe sex with their partners.