Research priorities in sexual and reproductive health and rights and climate change: Results of a consensus building and prioritisation process

Recent literature suggests that climate change can impact sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) outcomes, especially since climate-related events may exacerbate persistent inequalities based on gender, disability status, sexual orientation, and age, among others. Climate change can also impact health infrastructure with an impact on SRHR access and outcomes. However, data are scarce when it comes to certain topical areas, types of evidence, and in using an intersectional approach. Based on a prior expert consultation exercise, we conducted a consensus and priority setting process to develop a list of priority research questions at the intersection of climate change and SRHR. For this, in 2024, we completed an iterative process over three rounds consisting of online surveys and consultations, following modified Delphi and Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) methodologies for which 100 people were included. For round one, 56 people responded to the 17-question survey framed around topical areas in SRHR, research methodologies, and intersectionality; 39 people participated in the online consultation. The round two survey had 36 respondents and 41 participants to the online consultation. The third round included a survey with a list of 31 questions that respondents were asked to prioritize. A final list of ten questions emerged which highlighted important areas where there continue to be gaps in evidence, including maternal and perinatal health, contraception and abortion access, and gender-based violence. Other critical areas include intersectional issues regarding gender and poverty and comprehensive sex education. The list can serve as a starting point to guide the SRHR research community to generate the evidence needed for policy action.