News articles highlight barriers to abortion and maternity care
Other conversations about reproductive health care included a report on how wildfire smoke impacts pregnant people’s health.
Other conversations about reproductive health care included a report on how wildfire smoke impacts pregnant people’s health.
In recent conversations, a Teen Vogue article acknowledged that college students are returning to schools in states with limited abortion access, and an article in an Iowa newspaper reported that a local hospital will end labor and delivery services due to a staffing shortage. Both articles generated conversation on X, where social media users discussed the importance of reproductive health care access and debated the ethics of abortion. Plus, a recent report from the Human Rights Watch outlined how wildfire smoke impacts pregnant people.
In light of these conversations, communicators may recirculate information about local abortion laws and how people can access abortion pills. Communicators may also share information about how to stay safe from wildfire smoke, particularly for pregnant people living in areas with frequent exposure.
Insights brought to you by the reporters and science writers of Public Good News (PGN), a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to improving community health.
What’s trending nationally in conversations about reproductive health
Online conversations about reproductive health that began two weeks ago continued this week on social media and in the news. On August 22, a Teen Vogue article highlighted that millions of college students are returning to school in states with abortion bans and restrictions. The article was shared on X, where some commenters said prospective college students should apply to schools in states where abortion is legal.
Another article published in Newton Daily News reported that an Iowa hospital roughly 35 miles from Des Moines will stop all labor and delivery services next month due to a staffing shortage. Iowa state Representative Jennifer Konfrst shared the article on X, stating that rural Iowans will have to travel for reproductive health care. She also noted that “the Republican abortion ban has far-reaching implications and Iowans will suffer.” Her post received approximately 10,600 views, 225 likes, 80 reposts, and 25 comments as of September 4. In the comments, some social media users argued that ending labor and delivery services at one hospital isn’t a “big deal,” and others debated the ethics of abortion care.
On August 21, a report from the Human Rights Watch outlined how an increase in wildfire smoke is threatening pregnant people’s physical and mental health and encouraged federal agencies and officials to inform the public about these risks. The report found that pregnant people who are most at risk from wildfire smoke are from racial minorities, low-income, or unhoused, work in places that are outdoors or poorly ventilated, and do not speak English as their first language. While the report was not shared on social media, news websites shared its findings.
Recommendations brought to you by the health communication experts behind Infodemiology.com.
Recommendations for public health professionals
Each week, the Infodemiology.com team will provide messaging recommendations in response to some of the trending narratives outlined above. These helpful tips can be used when creating content, updating web and FAQ pages, and developing strategy for messaging about reproductive health.
Public health communicators, especially those working near universities or with college-aged individuals, may circulate information about abortion laws in their state, including how people can access abortion pills in person, via telehealth, or through the mail. Ensure your materials are up to date with this fact sheet. Sharing information about where students can find free or low-cost birth control is also recommended. Messaging may explain that emergency contraception, which is different from abortion, is an additional option.
Community organizations and other partners in Western states may outline the risks of wildlife smoke—particularly for pregnant people, infants, and children—and share tips for improving indoor air quality at home when outdoor air quality is dangerous. Ensuring that materials are published in multiple languages to reach local immigrant populations is recommended. Find the most commonly spoken languages in your area using this interactive map.