COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy: How discrepant public health discourses shape responsibility for fetal health

This study investigates how inconsistent public health messaging regarding COVID-19 vaccination during pregnancy impacts responsibility for fetal health. Analyzing expert discourses from early 2021, the researchers found significant discrepancies in recommendations across national and provincial/territorial levels in Canada, leading to uncertainty for both healthcare providers and pregnant individuals. The study highlights how these inconsistencies reinforce existing gendered norms, placing disproportionate responsibility on pregnant individuals to navigate conflicting information and assess risks. The authors advocate for improved collaboration between organizations to create clear, consistent, and evidence-based messaging.

T A Manca, K A Top, J E Graham