Search Results (85)

In Chile, lesbian-parent families have faced legal and social advancements as well as challenges, generating new dynamics through assisted reproduction. The reproductive justice framework allows for an analysis of the inequities and injustices experienced by LGBTIQA+ people in relation to their reproductive rights. Objective: To analyze the narratives of lesbian-parent families who have accessed parenthood through assisted reproduction techniques within the Chilean healthcare system, identifying barriers and facilitators in the process, as well as possible instances of discrimination. Methodology: This research adopted a qualitative approach with a descriptive scope and was based on a constructivist paradigm, utilizing a narrative design and analysis. Four lesbian-parent families participated, selected through purposive or convenience sampling. Results: The findings revealed that the main barriers were related to health insurance coverage and social and geographical factors. Among the key facilitators were support networks, educational level, and healthcare professionals’ guidance. Discussion: The study highlighted the presence of inequalities affecting the exercise of parenthood and the right to form a family, shaped by institutional and social barriers from a reproductive justice framework. Conclusions: The study underscores the need to advance inclusive public policies and systemic changes that recognize and protect family diversity in Chile. Furthermore, it highlights the role of narratives as a tool to make visible and challenge the inequalities surrounding lesbian parenthood. Full article

Artisanal fisheries in southern Chile rely heavily on the Patagonian red octopus (Enteroctopus megalocyathus) as a valuable resource, contributing significantly to local economies. This octopus species accounts for 25–40% of Chilean octopus landings. It is a merobenthic species, characterized by a semelparous life cycle and a long brooding period, and it is distributed along the Pacific and Atlantic coasts of the southern tip of South America, inhabiting holes and crevices in rocky substrates. However, this fishery faces critical challenges to both its ecological sustainability and the food safety of octopus products. The primary fishing method, using hooks, poses a risk to reproductive capacity as it can capture brooding females. Food safety concerns arise from microbial contamination during pre- and post-harvest handling, bioaccumulation of toxins from algal blooms, and the presence of heavy metals in the marine environment. While evisceration effectively reduces the risk of consuming toxins and heavy metals, inadequate hygiene practices and insufficient ice usage throughout the production chain represent significant food safety risks. Chilean fishing Law No. 18892/1989 defines artisanal fishing and establishes territorial use rights in fisheries (TURFs) to promote sustainable extraction of benthic resources. Integrating training programs on post-harvest handling, hygiene practices, and food safety measures into the TURFs framework, along with targeted investments in infrastructure and technical assistance, is crucial to ensure the long-term sustainability of the E. megalocyathus fishery, protect consumer health, and maintain the economic viability and environmental sustainability of this vital resource for local communities. Full article

Objective: This study examines YouTube comments following the overturn of Roe v. Wade, investigating how perceptions of health implications differ based on commenters’ gender and abortion stance. Methods: Using Netlytic, 25,730 comments were extracted from YouTube videos discussing the overturn of Roe v. Wade, half of which featured physicians discussing public health implications. Manual coding of 21% of the comments identified discussions on abortion stance and medical implications, while Gender API approximated the commenters’ gender. A term co-occurrence network was generated with VOSviewer to visualize key terms and their interrelations. Custom overlays explored patterns related to gender, abortion views, and medical implications, and comparisons within these overlays intersected with the medical implications overlay to illustrate contextual differences across demographics. Results: Four clusters emerged in the network: Constitutional Law, addressing the U.S. Constitution’s interpretation and legal impacts; Reproductive Rights and Responsibility, discussing alternatives to abortion and access; Human Development, exploring the intersection of abortion laws and individual beliefs; and Religious Beliefs, linking abortion laws to faith. Prochoice users focused on medical and socioeconomic impacts on women, whereas prolife users emphasized the prevention of unwanted pregnancies and moral considerations. Gender analysis revealed males centered on constitutional issues, while females highlighted medical and personal effects. Conclusion: The findings underscore that monitoring YouTube discourse offers valuable insights into public responses to shifts in health policy. Full article

Background/Objectives: Currently, the type of population reproduction in China has changed to “low birth, low death, low growth”. Additionally, as the number of single people has increased and the number of women of childbearing age has decreased, the growth of the total population was bound to show a negative trend. Therefore, this study aimed to understand what factors influence fertility intentions from the perspective of single, unmarried women. Methods: We designed our own online questionnaire and collected information on fertility intentions from single, unmarried women of childbearing age (18–49 years). A total of 741 questionnaires were collected, with a valid response rate of 92.6%, and the Theory of Planned Behavior model was integrated into the questionnaire survey. Statistical analysis was performed via SPSS 24.0, and AMOS 24.0 software’s analysis of variance was used to determine whether there were differences in attitudes towards fertility intentions among respondents. Structural equation models were constructed via AMOS software for validation factor analysis and path analysis. Results: There was a significant difference (p < 0.05) in “monthly income”, “net family income”, “health status”, and “only-child status”. Structural equation modelling revealed that fertility attitudes (β₁ = 0.301, p < 0.05), subjective norms (β₂ = 0.295, p < 0.05), and perceived behavioural control (β₃ = 0.146, p < 0.05) positively influence fertility intentions. Conclusions: The fertility intentions of single, unmarried women of childbearing age in China are influenced by many factors. Therefore, society should pay more attention to the rights and interests of single, unmarried women and provide a better social environment for childbearing; in addition, it is possible to appropriately relax the fertility policy of single births to improve the low fertility rate in China. Full article

Adolescent pregnancy remains a global issue, demanding comprehensive, long-term solutions. Despite declining rates, early pregnancy leads to severe physical and mental health risks along with increased mortality. Therefore, adolescent pregnancy requires urgent global action. This literature review evaluates pregnant adolescents’ psychological health issues, explores their needs, and investigates interdisciplinary approaches to enhance mental and physical health support. Studies show that adolescent pregnancy poses significant mental health risks and is associated with high rates of depression, suicidal ideation, low self-esteem, substance use, and anxiety. Co-occurring hardships further worsen psychological well-being. Found data indicated that the main needs of pregnant adolescents were adequate sexual and reproductive health; legal rights; high-quality, accessible healthcare; and socioeconomic support. The included references revealed several interventions and recommendations for supporting pregnant adolescents while highlighting challenges in the current framework. Pregnant adolescents face diverse gaps in current support systems. Further research is needed addressing social services, reproductive health consultations, and mental health support. Greater emphasis on multidisciplinary approaches and examples of effective support strategies is crucial to creating a nurturing environment and securing the well-being of pregnant adolescents. Full article

Attitudes toward abortion are deeply rooted and shaped by cultural, religious, moral, and political beliefs. In some societies, abortion is seen as a fundamental right, whereas in others, it is viewed as morally objectionable. This paper explores the perceptions of young women in Split, Croatia, regarding abortion. The study presents findings from research¹ conducted in 2024, which was based on semi-structured interviews with 30 young women aged 18–35 years. The results show that all participants are well informed about contraception and its role in women’s reproductive health, most of them expressing a positive view of its use. Most of the participants were familiar with abortion and the procedures involved. While they acknowledge the potential physical and mental health consequences of abortion, more than half, despite not personally choosing to have one, strongly support a woman’s right to decide. Nearly all participants are aware of both pro-life and pro-choice movements and believe that the influence of religiosity on attitudes toward abortion is subjective and varies from individual to individual. Full article

The article examines the changes to Italian legislation on assisted reproductive technology (ART) resulting from rulings by Italian courts, highlighting unresolved ethical–legal issues and potential future regulatory approaches consistent with these decisions. Additionally, it addresses the amendment defining surrogacy as “universal crime”, effective as of 18 November 2024. Through an analysis of decisions by the Constitutional Court and the Court of Cassation, it emerges that Law No. 40/2004 has been deemed unconstitutional in relation to the following: heterologous fertilization, the number of embryos that can be created, cryopreservation, the implantation of only healthy embryos, and access to ART for fertile couples. Controversial aspects include the fate of surplus embryos, access to ART for single individuals, and the recognition of parenthood for same-sex couples. The “universal crime” classification of surrogacy raises the possibility of legal consequences for individuals engaging in surrogacy abroad, even where it is lawful. Courts are unlikely to legislate on the allocation of surplus embryos without parliamentary intervention or to allow single individuals access to ART, given the perceived inconsistency with the child’s best interests. However, case-by-case evaluations are essential for recognizing non-biological or non-genetic parents in same-sex relationships and for assessing the effectiveness of the universal crime approach in safeguarding rights and public health. Full article

Obstetric violence (OV) is a form of gender-based violence (GBV) that arises from the medicalisation of childbirth and the systematic devaluation of women’s bodies during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Recognised as a violation of sexual and reproductive rights, OV reflects historically constructed power relations and highlights the need for public authorities to provide guarantees. In Portugal, OV has historical roots and continues to be an obstacle to the realisation of constitutional principles such as human dignity. Based in an intersectional feminist epistemology and the social constructionist approach, this study was conducted using an exploratory qualitative approach. Ten r7495/2006 acialised Brazilian women were interviewed to examine their experiences of OV during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period in the Portuguese NHS, through the lens of reproductive and sexual rights. The interviews revealed dehumanising and discriminatory treatment, highlighting the lack of respect for these women’s autonomy, dignity, and rights. These experiences of OV during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period affected the participants, leading to trauma and significant negative impacts on their mental, sexual, and reproductive health. This research on OV is crucial to advancing global reproductive justice, as it challenges structural inequalities and places racialised Brazilian women at the heart of the struggle for universal human rights and equality in sexual and reproductive healthcare. Full article

Every adolescent should have the right to make their own choices about their sexual and reproductive health (SRH). Achieving this goal can be challenging, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), where social norms and insufficient resources may limit access to information. Technology is increasingly being leveraged in LMICs to reach adolescents. We searched the literature to understand the landscape of digital SRH interventions in LMICs. The review addressed three questions: (1) What are the interventions and how effective are they? (2) What are adolescent preferences for information? And (3) What do the interventions cost? There is a wide variety in the populations addressed (e.g., adolescents with HIV, pregnant/post-partum adolescents) and the locations of the interventions, with the majority in sub-Saharan Africa. The types of interventions were evenly distributed between “push” approaches, where adolescents are sent information; “pull” approaches, where adolescents reach information from a website or app; and “two-way” approaches, which combine push and pull aspects. The most positive features identified were convenience and privacy. The major challenge is inadequate smartphone penetration in very low-income adolescents, especially girls. The evidence on the effectiveness of these interventions is mixed. Most studies show that SRH knowledge increases, but this does not necessarily lead to behavior change. Full article

Obstetric violence during pregnancy and childbirth is unfortunately a major problem throughout the world. Neuroleptanalgesia is a classic form of analgesia which consists in administering analgesics and neuroleptics, such as haloperidol, simultaneously. Haloperidol is still occasionally used during childbirth and, in most cases, without informed consent in Spain. It is used with the excuse of being an antiemetic, but the reality is that it is a form of obstetric violence called chemical submission. The combination of haloperidol with opioids leads to a potentiation of the sedative effects of both drugs, which may lead to multiplied risks for both mother and baby. At present, the use of haloperidol during childbirth is a practice exclusive to Spain. In fact, the association El Parto es Nuestro (Birth Is Ours) launched an awareness campaign in February 2021 aimed at eradicating the use of haloperidol during childbirth without informed consent. The present essay aims to bring awareness about the ongoing practice of using haloperidol. It is of great importance to eradicate this practice that is so harmful to mothers and their babies, as well as educate health personnel regarding this situation. Full article

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the global challenge of inadequate data on SARS-CoV-2’s effects on pregnant women and their infants. In response, Slovakia, along with other countries, launched a nationwide study to assess the incidence, characteristics, and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy. Methods: We conducted a national observational descriptive study of SARS-CoV-2 positive cases among pregnant women from the pandemic’s onset to its conclusion. In collaboration with the Public Health Office of the Slovak Republic, we identified 1184 pregnant women who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 and contacted them for participation. Results: Among the 240 participating SARS-CoV-2-positive pregnant women, 13 required hospitalizations, with an increased need for intensive care and respiratory support. However, the absolute risk of poor outcomes remained low. Higher maternal age and infection during the third trimester emerged as key risk factors for hospitalization. A symptomatic course was dominant, with fatigue (70%), headache (58%), and fever (56%) as the leading symptoms. While maternal and neonatal outcomes were generally favourable, a slight increase in caesarean sections and preterm births suggests an indirect impact on maternity care. Vaccination during pregnancy correlated with reduced symptoms and no hospitalizations. Elevated CRP levels were common among infected women, while ultrasound findings remained normal. Conclusions: This study offers a multi-dimensional view of pregnancy during the pandemic, capturing both the mother’s personal concerns and the objective insights from prenatal and labour care settings. The findings suggest that most pregnant women with SARS-CoV-2 experience mild to moderate illness, offering reassurance to clinicians about generally favourable maternal and neonatal outcomes while underscoring the need for vigilance in rare severe cases. Full article

Young women with and without disabilities in South Africa experience challenges accessing sexual reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services, and this may increase during a crisis. We conducted a longitudinal cohort study with 72 young women with and without disabilities (18–25 years) in eThekwini, South Africa (2020–2022) via a series of in-depth interviews including quantitative and qualitative data on participants’ experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and access to SRHR. Participants reported that barriers to accessing SRHR services included lockdown regulations, prioritization of COVID-19 at health care facilities, fear of COVID-19 infection, transport challenges, and youth-unfriendly clinics. Participants with disabilities experienced additional barriers to SRHR services, including ongoing (inaccessible services) and pandemic-specific (e.g., masks making lipreading impossible) barriers. Participants reported both non-partner and partner violence, with women with disabilities reporting this more frequently, physical and sexual partner violence, as well as physical and emotional abuse from caregivers. Participants with disabilities were not reporting incidents of violence to caregivers or officials because they had ‘normalized’ the experience of violence, were not believed when trying to disclose, feared that reporting would increase their problems, or could not access services due to disability-related barriers. Inclusive and accessible SRHR information, education, and services are needed. This includes disability-specific staff training, disability audits, and caregiver support and training. Full article

(1) Background: Migrant and refugee youth’s (MRY’s) sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHRs) are a global health issue. MRY encounter adverse SRH experiences due to limited access to and knowledge of SRHRs services. Using a socioecological framework, this study examined the barriers affecting MRY’s SRHRs. (2) Methods: A cross-sectional study utilising a participatory action research design was used. A total of 87 MRY (ages 16–26, from 20 cultural groups within Greater Western Sydney, Australia) completed seventeen focus group discussions on their SRHRs experiences. The focus groups were co-facilitated by youth project liaisons to ensure their authenticity and validity. The data were analysed thematically and interpreted using socioecological theory. (3) Results: The findings identified socioecological barriers, a lack of awareness about and access to services, and sociocultural dissonance as leading to the under-implementation of SRHRs services. These barriers included cultural disconnects, language barriers, remote service locations, intergenerational cultural conflicts, and ineffective SRHRs services. The key themes identified included traditional and institutional stigma, lack of SRH education, reliance on social media for SRH information, and privacy concerns. (4) Conclusions: There is a limited consideration of MRY’s SRHRs and the impact of intergenerational discordance and stigma on MRY’s rights. The findings suggest the necessity for a collaborative SRHRs strategy and policy design that empowers MRY’s agency across multicultural contexts. Full article

Violence against women is a predominant, human rights violation, globally. Understood as any act of gender-based violence resulting in physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, approximately 35% of women experience violence across the lifespan. While violence can be experienced at any age, women of reproductive age suffer the greatest prevalence, underscoring that for many women, experiencing violence or the health and social sequelae, which may follow violence, co-occurs with mothering. Mothering in the context of gender-based violence in Canada is complex and multifaceted. In this article, the interplay among gender-based violence and the childbearing stages of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum are explored using an intersectional lens, including consideration of social disparities and equity-deserving groups. Approaches to address gender-based violence among childbearing women, such as an ecological approach and trauma- and violence-informed care, are discussed as implications for further research and practice. Full article

Pregnancy termination, also referred to as abortion, is a contentious subject in many countries. Uganda’s culture requires young people to remain celibate; they therefore suffer from restricted access to any sexual and reproductive health information, products, and services, including contraceptives. Girls who are pregnant in Uganda are oppressed in various ways, including being expelled from school. Since abortion is illegal under Ugandan law, those abortions that take place are assumed to have a high risk of being unsafe. Most previous studies in the African context have thus focused on the phenomenon of unsafe abortion. Adolescent abortion is characterized by a rhetoric of pathology that frames girls as victims of deadly unsafe abortion practices. This paper aims to critique the view that pregnant adolescent girls are merely vulnerable victims who passively accept the denial of SRH services, including abortion. We analyzed the life histories of 14 girls in Uganda who had undergone pregnancy termination. Our findings showed that adolescent girls are not passive victims of the structural barriers to abortion. They use their agency to obtain knowledge, make decisions, successfully terminate pregnancy, and conceal the information as needed. It is therefore important for policymakers to acknowledge the agency of adolescent girls in regard to pregnancy termination and how this recognition could be of benefit in terms of devising appropriate supports for them. Full article