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Casualties of the World War II metaphor: women's reproductive health fighting for narrative inclusion in COVID-19.

Bailey Y, Shankar M, Phillips P. Casualties of the World War II metaphor: women's reproductive health fighting for narrative inclusion in COVID-19. Medical humanities. 2022 Sep 1; 48(3):261-264.

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Abstract:

While the COVID-19 pandemic progresses, politicians and media outlets in the USA have compared the pandemic with World War II (WWII). Though women's reproductive health has been affected by both COVID-19 and WWII, these specific health needs are not included in either event's mainstream narrative. This article explores the pandemic's war metaphor through the lens of women's reproductive health, arguing for a reframing of the metaphor. Narrative-building determines how health needs are perceived and addressed. A modification of the WWII metaphor can ensure that the narrative formulating around COVID-19 is inclusive of the women's reproductive health needs that are eminently present.




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