Social media users debunk false claims about STI testing
Texas lawsuit spurs concern about abortion pill access.
Texas lawsuit spurs concern about abortion pill access.
This past week, an X post about a nurse providing incorrect guidance to a patient seeking STI testing ignited discussion, with many comments stressing the importance of self-advocacy in medical settings. Plus, a lawsuit targeting a New York doctor who sent abortion pills to a patient in Texas sparked concern about medication abortion access.
In response, communicators may share information about STI testing and where people can access abortion, including abortion pills, in your state.
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 December 10, an X user shared a post stating that a nurse incorrectly told their friend that they did not need to test for sexually transmitted infections, even though they’d had a known exposure, since they were not experiencing symptoms. The post received approximately 5.4 million views, 253,000 likes, 16,000 reposts, and 740 comments as of December 17. In the comments, X users discussed times when they received inaccurate or stigmatizing guidance from health care providers about sexual health, including an experience with a nurse who allegedly said that mpox was a “gay thing.” Other comments discussed the importance of advocating for oneself in health care settings.
Last week, the Texas attorney general filed a civil lawsuit against a New York doctor for sending abortion pills to a patient in Texas. New York—along with several other states—has a “shield law” that protects health care providers from prosecution when they provide abortion care in states with abortion restrictions. Shield laws also protect patients who seek abortion care out of state. While the lawsuit does not include criminal charges, the Texas attorney general is seeking up to $250,000 from the doctor for allegedly violating Texas’s near-total abortion ban. Several articles and social media posts across multiple platforms discussed the lawsuit. A New York Times Facebook post received approximately 1,200 likes, 115 shares, and 550 comments as of December 17. Top comments expressed concern that the lawsuit could set a precedent for other states with abortion bans “to target out-of-state providers, potentially limiting access to essential medications.” Comments on Reddit and X posts questioned how people in states with abortion restrictions can access abortion pills in the mail.
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.
Conversations about STI testing provide an opportunity to share information about STIs, stressing that anyone can contract one through sexual activity involving the mouth, genitals, or anus. Sharing STI prevention methods, common STI symptoms, local clinics that offer testing, information about at-home tests, and tips for discussing sexual health with partners is recommended. Messaging may emphasize that some STIs do not cause any symptoms; however, they are still contagious and can be dangerous if left untreated, so getting tested regularly is important for health maintenance. Communicators may also want to share tips for how patients can advocate for STI testing and other needs in health care settings.
In light of online conversation about abortion access, communicators may explain that if abortion is banned in your state, patients can travel to another state where abortion is legal. Patients can also order abortion pills by mail, although there may be some legal risks. Visit Plan C to learn how patients can access abortion pills in your state. Communicators may also share the Repro Legal Helpline at 844-868-2812, which provides free, confidential legal guidance about abortion laws. Ensuring that materials outlining local abortion laws are up to date is recommended.