Social media users express censorship fears as some platforms block posts from abortion pill providers
Plus, posts shared conflicting views on prohibiting federal funding for abortion and called on men to help prevent pregnancy.
Plus, posts shared conflicting views on prohibiting federal funding for abortion and called on men to help prevent pregnancy.
This past week, an article about social media platforms blocking posts from abortion pill providers sparked widespread concern, and some social media users wondered where people will be able to access information about abortion pills. Other discussions highlighted recent actions from President Donald Trump that will prohibit federal funding for abortion, and they also encouraged men to take accountability in pregnancy prevention.
In response, communicators may recirculate information about how to access abortion pills in their state, share abortion funds that can help people cover the cost of abortion, and explain how vasectomies and condoms help prevent pregnancy.
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 reproductive health conversation:
On January 23, the New York Times reported that Meta-owned social media platforms Instagram and Facebook “have recently blurred, blocked or removed posts from two abortion pill providers.” Instagram also suspended the accounts of additional abortion pill providers. A Meta spokesperson said that these incidents occurred and that its platforms prohibit the sale of pharmaceutical drugs without proper certification. Social media users discussed the article across platforms, with some posts receiving hundreds of thousands of likes. Many commenters expressed concern that people may struggle to find information about getting abortion pills.
On January 23 and 24, President Trump pardoned seven people who had been convicted of blockading an abortion clinic in Michigan; signed an executive order requiring enforcement of the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits the use of federal funds by groups that provide abortions; and revived a “global gag rule” that prohibits the use of U.S. foreign aid money for abortion. Anti-abortion organizations and social media users celebrated the news across platforms, with some posts receiving thousands of views, and equated those who seek abortion to “murderers.” Others expressed concern about losing federal funding for abortion, which could force more people to pay for abortions out of pocket.
On January 20, a Mississippi senator introduced a bill called the “Contraception Begins At Erection Act,” which would make it illegal to “discharge genetic material without the intent to fertilize an embryo,” unless the person is donating sperm or using contraception to prevent fertilization. The senator who proposed the bill wrote that “the vast majority of bills relating to contraception and/or abortion focus on the woman’s role when men are fifty percent of the equation. This bill highlights that fact and brings the man’s role into the conversation.” Popular social media posts celebrated the bill for “trolling” politicians who oppose reproductive rights. A Reddit post sharing an article about the bill received approximately 26,000 upvotes and 18,000 comments as of January 28. Many commenters stated that men should take more responsibility for preventing pregnancy by getting vasectomies or using condoms.
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.
In response to questions about abortion pills, health departments, community organizations, and other partners may direct people to Plan C, which provides information about accessing abortion pills in their state. Communicators may also want to recirculate information about abortion laws in their states and share the Repro Legal Hotline, which provides free, confidential legal services for people seeking abortions and other forms of reproductive health care.
In light of concerns about abortion funding, communicators may direct people to the National Network of Abortion Funds, which connects people to donation-based organizations that can help pay for abortions and associated costs, like travel and lodging.
Communicators may wish to prioritize educational messaging about different forms of birth control, including vasectomies and condoms. Messaging may explain that vasectomies are minor surgical procedures that prevent pregnancy by stopping people with penises from releasing sperm into semen and are more than 99 percent effective. However, it can take at least two months for the procedure to fully prevent sperm from entering semen, so patients who get vasectomies should have their semen tested by a health care provider eight to 16 weeks after their procedure. Explaining how to correctly use condoms, which help prevent pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections, is recommended. People can get a vasectomy and other forms of birth control from their health care provider or at a local Planned Parenthood or health clinic. Condoms are available for free at many health clinics and can be purchased at pharmacies, grocery stores, and convenience stores and online.