Women are disproportionately affected by climate change, with existing vulnerabilities exacerbated by hotter temperatures and volatile weather. But there’s also a hidden impact related to pregnancy and childbirth. Studies show that climate change can have significant adverse effects on reproductive health – from menstruation to conception to birth.
Climate change can worsen health issues for those who can get pregnant throughout the entire reproductive process. Factors like exposure to extreme heat during pregnancy increase the risk of preterm birth, while sea level rise can lead to high blood pressure, a risk factor for premature birth and miscarriage. The unpredictability of climate-related disasters also affects fertility treatment procedures.
For years, the medical field has neglected to study how climate change impacts the health of people who can get pregnant. As reproductive autonomy is threatened politically, the risks are heightened for those with uteruses.
This series of stories delves into the profound effects of climate change on individuals who can get pregnant. While not exhaustive, the narratives serve as a warning of the challenges faced by women conceiving, gestating, and giving birth in a changing climate.
Credits
WRITERS | Zoya Teirstein, Virginia Gewin, Jessica Kutz, Mahadi Al Hasnat
STORY EDITORS | L.V. Anderson, Paige Vega, Kara Platoni
MANAGING EDITOR | Jaime Buerger
ART DIRECTION | Teresa Chin
ILLUSTRATIONS | Amelia K. Bates
DATA VISUALIZATION | Clayton Aldern, Jasmine Mithani
COPY EDITORS | Claire Thompson, Joseph Winters, Kate Yoder
FACT CHECKERS | Sarah Schweppe, Melissa Hirsch, Caity PenzeyMoog
PARTNERSHIP MANAGERS | Rachel Glickhouse, Abby Johnston, Megan Kearney
AUDIENCE + ENGAGEMENT | Myrka Moreno, Justin Ray, Shira Tarlo
DESIGN + DEVELOPMENT | Mia Torres, Jason Castro, Mignon Khargie
