  This case study analyzes the expertise, potential conflicts of interest, and
objectivity of editors, authors, and peer reviewers involved in a 2022 special
journal issue on fertility, pregnancy, and mental health. Data were collected
on qualifications, organizational affiliations, and relationships among six
papers' authors, three guest editors, and twelve peer reviewers. Two articles
were found to have undisclosed conflicts of interest between authors, an
editor, and multiple peer reviewers affiliated with anti-abortion advocacy and
lobbying groups, indicating compromised objectivity.
  This lack of transparency undermines the peer review process and enables
biased research and disinformation proliferation. To increase integrity, we
recommend multiple solutions: open peer review, expanded conflict of interest
disclosure, increased stakeholder accountability, and retraction when ethical
standards are violated. By illuminating noncompliance with ethical peer review
guidelines, this study aims to raise awareness to help prevent the propagation
of partisan science through respected scholarly channels.
