Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters (SRHM), formerly Reproductive Health Matters, is well known for its twice-a-year journal themed issues, which have gathered collections of papers on current, neglected and forward-looking topics and themes since 1993.
Since 2017, in addition to the themed issues, the journal has also accepted, in our annual open issue, papers related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), outside the identified themes. The papers in the open issue are published throughout the year on an ongoing, continuous basis and alongside the themed issues. Some articles published in the open issue may later be brought together as a collection or listed under key topics. SRHM also publishes special issues, or supplements.
We accept a wide range of article types, including short commentaries, reviews, full research reports, perspectives and book reviews. All papers published in SRHM, whether in the themed, open or special issues are open access.
Submit an article to the open issue
Open Issue FAQs
Is there a cost associated with publishing in the SRHM Open Issue?
An Article Publishing Charge (APC) is payable following acceptance for publication in the annual open issue, although APC waivers and discounts may apply for authors from low-income and lower-middle-income countries, respectively. In addition, accepted articles of four typeset pages or less are exempt from the APC. For more information see our instructions for authors.
What is the difference between themed issues, special issues and open issues?
SRHM generally launches two themed issues per year. The topics for these issues are identified by the SRHM editorial team, trustees, partners and others active in the field of SRHR, to respond to current, neglected and forward-looking areas. A detailed call for papers is posted on our website for each themed issue, with a specified closure date by which authors should submit their manuscripts for consideration and peer review.
Manuscripts accepted for publication in themed issues are subject to an APC; however, exemptions, waivers and discounts may be applicable, as with the open issue. There may also be additional waivers available, where appropriate. Please see the relevant call for papers for full details.
The annual open issue does not have an identified theme, and instead publishes articles from across the spectrum of SRHR. There is no deadline to submit to the open issue, as SRHM accepts and publishes papers on an ongoing basis, following peer review, throughout the year.
Special issues (also known as supplements) are also produced by SRHM. These issues do not have a call for papers and usually comprise individually invited, peer-reviewed articles on a specified topic. Special issues are produced at the request of partners and collaborators.
What topics does the open issue cover?
We accept manuscripts on a range of topics within the SRHR field. We also publish a range of article types, from full research reports to short commentaries and perspectives.
The 2023 open issue included articles on abortion, SRHR in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, contraception, HIV, sexuality education and more. All previous open issues can be found here. If you have any questions about the suitability of your paper, you can contact us at [email protected].
How do I submit a paper to the SRHM open issue?
To submit a paper, please go to our Editorial Manager site, where you will need to register if you are a first-time user or where you can login as a repeat user. Please make sure that you have read the instructions for authors before submitting a paper.
If you have any questions about open, themed or special issues, please contact us at [email protected].