Reproductive health is a critical component of overall well-being, yet minors frequently encounter unique challenges that hinder their access to necessary services. These obstacles are often rooted in legal, social, and economic frameworks that do not adequately consider the needs of younger populations. Understanding these barriers is crucial, as they can lead to significant disparities in health outcomes and limit minors' ability to make informed choices about their reproductive health. This collection aims to explore these multifaceted challenges, providing an in-depth examination of the factors that restrict access and proposing viable solutions to enhance the health and rights of minors.

The scope of this collection encompasses a broad examination of both the systemic and individual-level barriers that contribute to restricted access to reproductive health services for minors. It will draw on a variety of perspectives and methodologies, including but not limited to sociological, psychological, political science, legal epidemiology, and other public health approaches, to offer a comprehensive understanding of the issues at hand. By highlighting diverse experiences and challenges, this collection seeks to foster a dialogue among stakeholders and to advocate for informed, actionable strategies that can lead to meaningful improvements in access to reproductive health care for minors.

Key areas of focus may include:

- Examination of parental involvement laws and other restrictive policies and their impact on minors’ access to reproductive health services.

- Exploration of cultural norms and stigmas that prevent minors from seeking services.

- Assessment of the availability and design of youth-friendly reproductive health care.

- Evaluation of interventions designed to improve minors’ access to reproductive health care.

- Analysis of the role of socioeconomic status and other individual and family influences in determining access to care.

- Consideration of parent and healthcare provider attitudes and their influence on minors’ access to care.

- Evaluation of telemedicine and digital platforms as tools to improve accessibility and education for minors.

- The role of mis- and dis-information in shaping minors’ knowledge and awareness of abortion access and services

Through this exploration, the collection aims to provide comprehensive insights and strategic recommendations that promote equitable access to reproductive health care for minors globally.

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Frontiers in Reproductive Health

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