A new report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the UN Special Programme on Human Reproduction (HRP) examines how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
It looks at both the benefits and risks of this rapidly developing technology.
The report provides information and complements WHO’s recent guidelines on AI, including aspects of regulation, ethics, and governance.
“AI is already changing the landscape of sexual and reproductive health technology,” said Dr. Pascale Allotey, Director of HRP and WHO’s Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health.
He further said that, “If we stay aware of the potential risks, implement it carefully, and see AI as a tool rather than a solution, we have a significant opportunity to make sexual and reproductive services and information more accessible to everyone.”
Researchers created the technical brief by consulting experts and reviewing trends and challenges.
They analyzed how AI is currently used in sexual and reproductive health mainly for screening and predicting health issues.
Those include infertility and pregnancy, and provide information through chatbots.
However, AI also brings potential risks. There are concerns about how data might be shared or exposed, especially sensitive information about fertility or sexual health.
If there is a bias in the data, it can lead to incorrect outcomes, and not everyone with equal access to the technology can prevent people from getting benefits.
Other issues can include the misuse of AI. It can include spreading false information and not being clear about how AI systems work or are used.
These challenges are common in AI, but these can create various issues in sexual and reproductive health.
It is where access and fairness comes to the scene.
AI should be developed and applied in the right way.
You need to focus on the specific risks of AI in sexual and reproductive health:
Upgrade Data Protection Regulations:
It can help safeguard privacy, prevent data breaches, and control how sensitive data is shared with third parties.
Diverse Training Data:
AI systems need effective training on data that represents a wide range of people to avoid bias and improve accuracy.
Hire Diverse Developers
The AI industry should hire developers from different backgrounds to consider the needs of marginalized groups.
Set Standards for AI Procedures
Set up guidelines for AI-driven processes in sexual and reproductive health.
Reduce Misinformation
You need to focus on reducing false information and targeted disinformation among users.
Local and international regulatory bodies should focus on these actions and work together with the aim that AI follows ethical guidelines.
Dr. Alain Labrique, Director of WHO’s Department of Digital Health and Innovation said, “It is essential that developers and regulators prioritize equity in AI.”
“Systems need to be designed with input from all stakeholders to ensure no one is left behind. Digital technologies provide benefits to everyone if we intentionally include diverse needs and protect people’s rights.”
