Posts question when and for whom Plan B is most effective

Other posts discussed abortion ballot measures, debated the definition of “abortion,” and shared false claims about mammograms.

Following the U.S. presidential election, the most popular posts about reproductive health urged people to stock up on emergency contraception (EC), with some comments debating when and for whom EC is effective. In other discussions, posts celebrated the passage of abortion ballot measures in several states, debated whether treatments for ectopic pregnancies and miscarriages are the same treatments used for abortions, and falsely claimed that mammograms are unsafe and unnecessary.

In response, communicators may share the types of emergency contraception and how they work, ensure that materials outlining local abortion laws are up to date, explain how abortion bans impact people experiencing miscarriage, and share information about mammogram safety and breast cancer prevention.

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What’s trending nationally in reproductive health conversation:

In the days after the election, social media posts across multiple platforms expressed concern about future access to reproductive health care and urged people to stock up on emergency contraception (EC). News articles confirmed that sales of EC surged in the past week. Some posts about EC shared misleading claims about its effectiveness. One X post read, “plan b explicitly DOES NOT WORK 3 days past intercourse OR on anyone over 170ish lbs. please be aware of this.” That post received approximately 407,000 views, 18,000 likes, 5,600 reposts, and 30 comments as of November 13. Comments debated the effectiveness of Plan B for people of various weights.

Many news articles and social media posts with high engagement discussed abortion ballot measures that recently passed in seven out of 10 states. Most posts celebrated the measures and expressed concern about people in states where protections for abortion did not pass, receiving thousands of likes and sometimes millions of views.

Several popular posts questioned whether medications and procedures used to treat an ectopic pregnancy or miscarriage are the same as the medications and procedures used for abortion. One X post falsely claimed that miscarriage treatments like misoprostol and dilation and evacuation procedures are not used for abortion, suggested that these treatments are easily accessible in all states, and correctly stated that medical procedures used to end an ectopic pregnancy are different from the procedures used to end a pregnancy in the uterus. The post garnered approximately 7,600 views, but it received few likes, shares, and comments.

On November 9, an X post shared a video clip from a podcast in which two women discussed what they believe are negative impacts of mammograms. The text of the post falsely claimed that mammograms do not save lives and that mammograms “do more harm than good” due to the effects of radiation. The post also promoted dietary changes as an alternative way to prevent breast cancer without evidence. The post received approximately 266,000 views, 4,800 likes, 2,600 reposts, and 100 comments as of November 13. In the comments, some X users reported that they do not get regular mammograms even when recommended by their doctor or that they had canceled upcoming mammogram appointments after listening to the podcast.

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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. 

Confusion about emergency contraception provides an opportunity for communicators to outline the types of EC and how they work. Messaging may explain that there are two types of EC pills: Ulipristal acetate is sold under the brand name ella, which requires a prescription and can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex. Levonorgestrel is sold over the counter under several brand names—including Plan B—and works best when taken within three days of having unprotected sex but can be taken up to five days afterward. Communicators may explain that ella may not prevent pregnancy in people who weigh 195 pounds or more and that levonorgestrel pills may not prevent pregnancy in people who weigh 165 pounds or more. Messaging may emphasize that all emergency contraception pills work best when they are taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex. Communicators may also explain that getting a copper IUD up to five days after having unprotected sex reduces the chances of getting pregnant by 99.9 percent, continues preventing pregnancy for eight to 10 years, and is effective for people of all weights. However, getting an appointment quickly may be challenging, so people who plan to use a copper IUD as emergency contraception should call their health care provider or their local Planned Parenthood as soon as possible.

In light of recent abortion ballot measures, people may have questions about local abortion laws. Ensuring that all materials outlining local abortion laws are up to date is recommended.

Conversations about miscarriage treatments provide an opportunity to explain that the same medications and procedures are used for both abortions and incomplete miscarriages. Several recent reports found that abortion bans have delayed lifesaving care, even in states that have exceptions in cases when the health or life of the pregnant person is in danger. Additional messaging may explain that ectopic pregnancies are medical emergencies; that they are never viable, since they implant outside of the uterus; and that the medical procedures used to end an ectopic pregnancy are usually different from the procedures used to end a pregnancy in the uterus.

False claims about mammograms underscore a need for more education for women and trans individuals about breast cancer screenings.The CDC recommends that people who are 40 to 74 years old and are at average risk for breast cancer get a mammogram every two years. Messaging may emphasize that getting regular mammograms is the most effective way to reduce the risk of dying from breast cancer, since they can find cancer before it is big enough to feel or cause symptoms. Additional messaging may explain that the risk associated with the small amount of radiation used in mammograms is low. While sharing the importance of breast self-exams is also recommended, communicators may emphasize that a self-exam does not replace a mammogram or visit with a health care provider.