Posts mock representative’s speech about her sterilization surgery

In other conversations, social media users discussed Black maternal mortality rates and expressed fears about potential federal restrictions on abortion and contraception.

This past week, posts reacted to Michigan state Representative Laurie Pohutsky’s announcement that she recently “underwent surgery to ensure that I would never have to navigate a pregnancy in Donald Trump’s America,” generating a spike in online conversation about sterilization surgeries. Other posts discussed new CDC data showing higher maternal mortality rates among Black individuals and expressed concern about a bill that would establish a federal abortion ban.

In response, communicators may recirculate information about sterilization surgeries, offer resources for Black birthing parents, and share materials outlining local abortion laws and types of birth control.

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What’s trending nationally in reproductive health conversation:

On February 5, Michigan Representative Laurie Pohutsky spoke at a rally where she stated, “Just under two weeks ago, I underwent surgery to ensure that I would never have to navigate a pregnancy in Donald Trump’s America.” Pohutsky went on to explain that she was concerned about whether she would be able to access contraception and abortion in the future. Her speech was quoted widely across social media platforms. One X post sharing Pohutsky’s statements received approximately 2 million views, 15,000 likes, 3,800 reposts, and 20,000 comments as of February 11. In the comments, the original poster called Pohutsky’s speech a “political stunt.” Many other comments ridiculed Pohutsky and accused her of being “mentally ill.” However, comments on a Reddit post about Pohutsky’s decision in a subreddit for discussions about the law were largely supportive, and many commenters shared why they chose to undergo tubal ligations and vasectomies to prevent pregnancy.

New data from the CDC found that while maternal mortality rates for white, Hispanic, and Asian women fell between 2022 and 2023, the maternal mortality rate for Black birthing parents increased and was significantly higher than for other populations. Several articles reported on these findings, and they were shared across social media platforms. One X post sharing an AP News article about the new CDC data received approximately 117,000 views, 420 likes, 290 reposts, and 90 comments as of February 11. Several comments, without evidence, attributed the Black maternal mortality rate to lifestyle factors. However, an expert quoted in the article said that “the impact of systemic racism and unequal access” to health care influenced this health disparity.

A recent Reddit thread discussing H.R. 722, a bill that would establish a national abortion ban, received approximately 3,500 upvotes and 400 comments as of February 11. The bill, which was introduced in January, aims to extend equal protection under the 14th Amendment to fetuses. Many Reddit commenters mocked the bill, while others expressed concern that restrictions on birth control could be “next.”

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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 light of conversations about sterilization surgeries, communicators may explain how these procedures prevent pregnancy. Messaging may note that there are two types of minor permanent sterilization surgeries available in the U.S. for people who can become pregnant. Tubal ligation closes, cuts, or removes pieces of the fallopian tubes, and bilateral salpingectomy removes the fallopian tubes entirely. These procedures prevent sperm from reaching and fertilizing eggs. Tubal ligation, which is the more common procedure, is 99 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. Vasectomies are minor surgical procedures that prevent pregnancy by stopping people with penises from releasing sperm into semen, and they are also 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 should have their semen tested by a health care provider eight to 16 weeks after surgery. Many hospitals, Planned Parenthood clinics, and other health centers offer these procedures, and cost may vary based on insurance coverage. Explaining that sterilization surgeries do not protect against sexually transmitted infections and encouraging the use of safer sex barriers like condoms is recommended.

Conversations about racial bias in health care, which contributes to poor maternal health outcomes, provide an opportunity to share resources geared toward Black pregnant people seeking support for hospital or home births. Resources include the BLACK Doula Network, the National Black Doulas Association, and the Sista Midwife Directory. Sharing tips for how pregnant people can advocate for their needs in the delivery room is recommended.

Concerns about future access to reproductive health care show a need for ongoing information about local abortion laws and birth control options. Communicators may need to update materials regularly to reflect the latest abortion laws in their states. Communicators may also want to direct people to Plan C, which provides information about accessing abortion pills in their state, and the Repro Legal Hotline, which provides free, confidential legal services for people seeking abortions and other forms of reproductive health care.