A lack of resources and support for media companies in Romania inhibits their capacity to present comprehensive stories with a variety of sources and follow-up. Media can play an important role in helping the community understand the personal and social implications of women's health concerns. Often the media is the only source for objective information. In translating complex medical issues to lay terms, accuracy is crucial. Verifying sources, uncovering all relevant facts, and ensuring the complete understanding of a subject are essential.
Journalistic ethics are a major concern in health reporting.
In particular, a journalist must determine the balance between the public's right to know and an individual's right to privacy. Throughout the region, improved journalism training will strengthen skills for specialized reporting. Most importantly, they can now step forth with confidence and authority to propel women's health issues to the forefront of the news. A conference report is scheduled for an August 1999 release. Further details will be announced in the next IWMFwire .