Bill that would establish paid reproductive health leave stirs controversy

Plus, a woman’s account of being denied miscarriage treatment generated debate about the reach of abortion bans.

In the past week, social media users discussed a bill that would give employees paid reproductive health leave for period pain, procedures like vasectomies and abortions, and more, prompting comments on how these health needs impact one’s ability to work. Meanwhile, an article about an Arkansas woman who was denied miscarriage treatment due to the state’s abortion ban instigated debate about whether abortion bans or health care providers are to blame for interruptions to lifesaving care.

In response, communicators may share reproductive health care resources and information about local abortion laws.

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What’s trending nationally in conversations about reproductive health

Recent social media posts circulated a video about a bill introduced in March that would give employees up to 12 days of paid leave per year for reproductive health needs, such as pain related to menstruation or reproductive health conditions, miscarriages, vasectomies, abortions, and more. Commenters expressed support, although some said that 12 days is not enough paid time off for people with painful reproductive health conditions like endometriosis. Many shared personal stories about quitting or losing employment when they did not have enough paid sick leave to manage their reproductive health needs. Opponents suggested that the bill would give women “special treatment,” although employees of any gender would be able to use the paid leave.

The impact of abortion bans on miscarriage treatment continued making headlines last week. On May 26, ProPublica published an article about an Arkansas woman who was denied care for a life-threatening miscarriage in 2024 due to the state’s abortion ban, even after she contacted the hospital’s CEO, the governor’s office, and a lawyer. On June 2, ProPublica shared an Instagram video of the woman sharing her story. Commenters highlighted articles about other pregnant people who had been denied lifesaving care or faced delays in miscarriage treatment and shared similar personal experiences. Many expressed anger toward abortion bans. Some suggested that health care providers—not abortion bans—are putting pregnant people’s lives at risk because they aren’t adequately informed about abortion ban exemptions.

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Recommendations for public health professionals

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 missing or losing work due to reproductive health needs provide an opportunity to share resources, such as local reproductive health clinics and telehealth reproductive health services. Communicators may also want to share information about managing pain related to reproductive health conditions and tips for discussing health needs with employers.

Debate over abortion bans continues to generate significant attention online. Ongoing messaging may highlight how abortion bans have been associated with delays in lifesaving care for people experiencing miscarriage complications. Communicators may ensure that all materials outlining local abortion laws are up to date, including information about exceptions to bans. Messaging may refer people to the Repro Legal Helpline, a free service that connects individuals with lawyers who can answer questions about miscarriage, abortion, and pregnancy. They may also direct community members to AbortionFinder.org, which provides information on verified abortion providers, and Plan C, which offers guidance on accessing abortion pills by mail.