Posts allege that doctors overprescribe birth control pills
Social media users also worried about how potential Planned Parenthood funding cuts could impact access to reproductive health services.
Social media users also worried about how potential Planned Parenthood funding cuts could impact access to reproductive health services.
This past week, a comedic video generated discussion about health care providers prescribing birth control without adequately addressing patients’ health concerns, and some comments spread false claims about birth control pill safety. In other discussions, posts expressed concern about potential Planned Parenthood funding cuts and legislation that would change sex education in schools.
In light of these discussions, communicators may recirculate information about birth control safety, offer patient advocacy tips, explain where people can access reproductive health services, and share sex education resources geared toward youth.
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:
On April 5, a social media influencer shared a video on Facebook sarcastically acting out a gynecology appointment. The video suggested that gynecologists recommend birth control for all ailments. The post received approximately 1.5 million views, 40,000 reactions, 1,800 shares, and 2,900 comments as of April 8. Many commenters shared personal stories about health care providers recommending birth control pills as a “solution to everything” without thoroughly investigating their reproductive health symptoms. Others alleged that birth control pills worsened their symptoms and falsely claimed that birth control “definitely isn’t good for most women.”
On March 31, articles reported that the Department of Health and Human Services will temporarily withhold federal funding from nine Planned Parenthood state affiliates. The affiliates received a letter from HHS citing “possible violations” of President Donald Trump’s recent executive orders prohibiting diversity, equity, and inclusion programs and “taxpayer subsidization of open borders.” Social media users discussed the news across platforms, primarily on X, where some posts received hundreds of thousands of views. Many expressed concern that funding cuts could limit access to birth control, testing for sexually transmitted infections, cancer screenings, and other health services that Planned Parenthood clinics provide. Some questioned where low-income people can access those services if they do not live near a Planned Parenthood or if their local Planned Parenthood stops providing them.
Several social media posts across platforms discussed state legislation around sex education in schools, including an Ohio bill that would require schools to encourage abstinence until marriage and a recent Idaho law that will require students to watch “Baby Olivia,” a video created by an anti-abortion group that inaccurately depicts fetal development. Other states have introduced similar legislation that would require schools to screen the video.
Many posts debated what sex education curriculum should include, and some wondered where youth can access accurate information about sexual health.
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 concerns about birth control, messaging may emphasize that birth control pills are safe for most people, but patients should talk to their health care providers about their medical history and other medications they take before starting any new medication. Communicators may also recirculate information about the types of birth control and where people can access them. Sharing tips for self-advocacy in medical settings is recommended.
Questions about where people can access reproductive health care provide an opportunity to direct target populations to local health centers that offer free or low-cost reproductive health services, such as birth control, STI testing, and cancer screenings. As questions about abortion access are ongoing, communicators may also share AbortionFinder.org, which helps people find reputable abortion providers; Plan C, which provides information about accessing abortion pills in every state; and the National Network of Abortion Funds, which can help anyone pay for an abortion.
Given concerns about inadequate sex education in schools, communicators may share comprehensive sex and relationship educational resources for youth and their caregivers, as well as tips for caregivers to talk to youth about sexual health and relationships.