Preconception Health: A Systemic Approach to Lifelong Wellbeing
Original framing: “[Editorial] The future of preconception health” — The Lancet
The original framing omits the historical context of preconception health, including the impact of colonialism, racism, and socioeconomic inequality on maternal and child health outcomes. Indigenous knowledge and perspectives on preconception care are also absent, as are discussions of the structural barriers to accessing healthcare services for marginalized populations.
Low structural omission detected in mainstream coverage.
The Lancet Series was led by Judith Stephenson, a prominent expert in the field of preconception health. The narrative serves the interests of the medical and healthcare communities, while obscuring the role of social and environmental determinants in shaping preconception health outcomes.
A deep historical analysis of preconception health reveals the impact of colonialism, slavery, and other forms of oppression on the health and wellbeing of marginalized populations. For example, the forced relocation of Indigenous peoples in North America led to significant increases in maternal and infant mortality rates.
The Lancet Series on preconception health highlights the importance of addressing the biological, individual, and public health dimensions of preconception care.