GenAI Usage Policy

Policy on the Use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI)

Ethiopian Journal of Reproductive Health (EJRH)

  1. Purpose

The Ethiopian Journal of Reproductive Health (EJRH), a peer-reviewed quarterly scientific publication of the Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ESOG), upholds the highest standards of research integrity, transparency, and academic accountability. In response to the increasing use of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools in scholarly writing and research, this policy establishes clear guidelines governing their ethical and responsible use in all materials submitted to EJRH.

  1. Definition of Generative AI

For the purpose of this policy, Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) refers to any computational tool or model—such as ChatGPT, Gemini, Copilot, Claude, or similar systems—capable of generating text, images, data analyses, code, or other scholarly content through machine learning algorithms.

  1. Acceptable Use

Authors may use GenAI tools only to support language improvement (e.g., grammar correction, text clarity, or formatting) or to enhance productivity in data organization, visualization, or technical editing. The use of GenAI must not replace the author’s own critical thinking, analysis, or interpretation of data.

When GenAI tools are used, authors must:

  • Declare such use transparently in the Acknowledgment or Methods section, specifying the tool and version used (e.g., “Language editing assistance was provided using ChatGPT, OpenAI, version GPT-5, for grammar and formatting improvements.”).
  • Ensure that the use of GenAI tools does not generate, alter, or fabricate research data, nor create citations, references, or scientific arguments.
  • Accept full responsibility for the integrity, originality, and accuracy of all submitted content, including text produced or assisted by GenAI.
  1. Prohibited Use

EJRH strictly prohibits:

  • Submitting GenAI-generated manuscripts or sections (e.g., abstracts, discussions, or conclusions) without human authorship or verification.
  • Using GenAI to fabricate, manipulate, or synthesize data, images, or references.
  • Listing GenAI tools as authors or co-authors.
  • Using GenAI to generate peer reviews, editorial evaluations, or decision letters.
  1. Authorship Responsibility

All listed authors remain fully responsible and accountable for the accuracy, originality, and integrity of the manuscript content, regardless of any GenAI assistance used. Authorship requires substantial intellectual contribution, which cannot be fulfilled by AI tools.

  1. Editorial and Peer Review Use

Editors and peer reviewers of EJRH may use GenAI tools only for administrative support (e.g., grammar checking or summarizing text) and not for decision-making, evaluation of originality, or content generation. Reviewers must not input confidential manuscript information into any GenAI system.

  1. Ethical Oversight and Compliance

Any failure to disclose GenAI use or any evidence of AI-generated fabrication, plagiarism, or ethical misconduct will be handled according to EJRH’s Research Integrity and Misconduct Policy. Sanctions may include manuscript rejection, retraction, or notification to the author’s institution.

  1. Transparency Statement for Authors

Authors submitting to EJRH must include the following statement (if applicable):

“Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools were used in this work only for [specify purpose, e.g., language editing or figure formatting]. The authors take full responsibility for the integrity and accuracy of all content.”

If no GenAI tools were used, authors should declare:

“No Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools were used in the preparation of this manuscript.”

  1. Policy Review and Updates

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Editorial Board to ensure alignment with international best practices, Scopus and Elsevier content policies, and evolving standards in research integrity.

Effective Date: October 2025
Approved by: The Editorial Board, Ethiopian Journal of Reproductive Health (EJRH)
Publisher: Ethiopian Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ESOG)