Digital platforms and reproductive health information: Navigating legal and ethical boundaries

Bisola Oluwafadekemi Adegoke 1, *, Tolulope Odugbose 2 and Christiana Adeyemi 3

1 Health Information Analyst, Huntington WV U.S.A.
2 Department of Child Dental Health, Lagos State, University Teaching Hospital, Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria.
3 Ohio Dominican University, Columbus Ohio, USA.
 
Review
International Journal of Life Science Research Updates, 2024, 02(02), 010–022.
Article DOI: 10.53430/ijlsru.2024.2.2.0024
Publication history: 
Received on 28 February 2024; revised on 07 April 2024; accepted on 09 April 2024
 
Abstract: 
In today's digital age, the dissemination of reproductive health information has shifted significantly to online platforms, offering unparalleled accessibility while presenting a myriad of legal and ethical challenges. This paper investigates the complex interplay between digital platforms and reproductive health information, navigating the intricate landscape of laws and regulations such as HIPAA and GDPR, and examining the challenges in enforcing these regulations across diverse platforms and jurisdictions. Ethical considerations loom large, necessitating a delicate balance between accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and inclusivity to meet the diverse needs and perspectives of users while safeguarding their privacy and confidentiality. Through case studies and examples, real-world challenges faced by digital platforms, including misinformation, censorship dilemmas, and data privacy breaches, are explored, highlighting the importance of clear policies, robust data protection measures, and stakeholder collaboration. Looking ahead, the paper identifies future trends and recommendations for enhancing the responsible dissemination of reproductive health information online, advocating for comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education and ongoing research to address emerging challenges effectively. In conclusion, concerted efforts from stakeholders are called for to prioritize the responsible provision of reproductive health information online, ensuring that legal, ethical, and public health considerations are balanced effectively in the digital realm.
 
Keywords: 
Reproductive health; Digital platforms; Legal framework; Ethical considerations; Privacy protection; Stakeholder collaboration
 
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