Writing for Justice: A qualitative Analysis of Ugandan Media Coverage of Women’s Reproductive Health.

Introduction: Women in Uganda encounter considerable challenges to the realisation of their reproductive health rights. Mass media play a significant role in shaping a society’s understanding of their health and perception on health rights. This study explored how women’s reproductive health is framed in Ugandan media, and whether these frames promote reproductive justice.
Methods: A qualitative content analysis of newspaper articles about women’s reproductive health was conducted to identify and analyse media frames. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 health journalists to identify factors contributing to framing. Results: 210 articles from 4 national newspapers published between 1 and 31 May were selected, of which 50% addressed pregnancy; 25% sexual violence; 13% STIs and HIV/AIDS; and 12% remaining topics. Several factors play a role in framing, such as journalists’ role-perception;
and understanding and contextualisation of women’s reproductive health issues. Poor pay and working conditions in the journalism further influence the type of stories and their frames. Ugandan media may miss important opportunities to promote reproductive justice. Discussion: Despite this study’s narrow focus on print media, findings contribute to understanding the role media plays in women’s reproductive health. Recommendations are made as to how journalists can promote reproductive justice.