Born Too Soon: Every Story Counts: Lessons in Ethical, Inclusive Storytelling from Born Too Soon

Storytelling is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool in public health communication, particularly for addressing complex and stigmatized health issues. In the context of pregnancy and childbirth, personal narratives have proven effective in shaping perceptions, empowering women, complementing health education, and driving policy and legal reforms. Preterm birth remains a significant global challenge, and lived experiences of affected families offer critical insights that illuminate systemic gaps and advocate for the rights of babies, mothers, families, and healthcare workers. The Born Too Soon 2023 campaign placed people—especially women, families, communities, and healthcare workers—at the core of its advocacy efforts. This commentary explores selected stories from the Born Too Soon report, emphasizing the value of ethical, inclusive, and people-centred storytelling. It highlights the importance of authenticity, representation, and informed consent in narrative practices, underscoring the role of storytelling as both a form of advocacy and a means of advancing equitable and responsive public health systems.