Social media users highlight Black Maternal Health Week

Other posts reacted to legislation that would effectively ban mifepristone with false claims that abortion pills are unsafe.

Last week, Black Maternal Health Week sparked conversation online about racial disparities in maternal health care. Other posts debated whether abortion pills are safe in response to a bill that would restrict them. Meanwhile, a new study renewed conversation about the unproven link betweenacetaminophen—commonly sold as Tylenol—during pregnancy and autism in children.

In response, communicators may recirculate resources for Black pregnant people, share information about abortion pills’ safety, and highlight evidence-based medical guidance on prenatal acetaminophen use.

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What’s trending nationally in conversations about reproductive health

During Black Maternal Health Week (April 11-17), social media posts across platforms called attention to racial bias in health care and its impact on maternal health outcomes. Then, on April 17, Representative Summer Lee, who is Black, questioned Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. during a House committee meeting about how the Black maternal health crisis can be solved “if we can’t say ‘Black,’” citing the Trump administration’s efforts to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives by telling federal agencies to avoid or limit certain words, including “Black.” Social media users across platforms circulated video clips from the meeting. Most emphasized Representative Lee’s statement that Black women are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, and some shared personal stories about experiencing racial bias during pregnancy care.

Recent posts revived conversation about a bill from a Missouri senator that would revoke the FDA’s approval of the abortion pill mifepristone, which would effectively ban the medication. While many social media users expressed alarm about the bill, which was introduced last month, some supporters falsely claimed that abortion pills are unsafe.

On April 13, JAMA Pediatrics published a Danish study finding no link between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism. When asked about the study during an April 17 House committee meeting, Kennedy called it “garbage” and “fraudulent.” Some social media users echoed Kennedy’s statement, alleging without evidence that the study’s methodology was flawed. Others celebrated the study, citing its large scale and long follow-up period as evidence of its strength. Several noted that previous studies and major medical organizations have already confirmed that it’s safe for pregnant people to take acetaminophen as needed.

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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. 

While Black Maternal Health Week has ended, conversations indicate ongoing need for resources geared toward Black pregnant people to counteract the racial bias in health care that contributes to poor maternal health outcomes. Resources include the BLACK Doula Network, the National Black Doulas Association, and tips for how pregnant people can advocate for their needs in the delivery room.

False claims about mifepristone’s safety are likely to continue as headlines circulate about efforts to restrict it. Messaging may reiterate that medication abortion accounts for nearly two-thirds of abortions in the U.S. and that the risk of major complications from abortion pills is less than 1 percent. Communicators may also want to direct people to resources like AbortionFinder.org, which helps people find reputable abortion providers; Plan C, which offers information about accessing abortion pills in every state; the Repro Legal Helpline, which connects people with lawyers who can answer questions about abortion, miscarriage, and birth; and the National Network of Abortion Funds, which helps people pay for an abortion and associated costs.

False claims about acetaminophen during pregnancy have persisted since a massive spike in conversation following a White House press conference last fall. As public officials continue to cast doubt on research showing no link between prenatal acetaminophen use and autism, messaging may emphasize guidance from evidence-based medical experts. Communicators may stress that the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists says it’s safe to take acetaminophen during pregnancy as needed after consulting with your doctor, although nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), aspirin, and Aleve should only be taken during the second trimester and only for 48 hours or less at a time. Communicators may also explain that untreated fever during pregnancy increases the risk of certain fetal anomalies, and untreated pain increases stress hormones, which can also harm the fetus. Encouraging pregnant individuals to talk to their health care provider about options for fever and pain relief is recommended.