Updates to federal guidance spark debate about emergency abortions
Other conversations highlighted common pregnancy symptoms and maternal health care deserts.
Other conversations highlighted common pregnancy symptoms and maternal health care deserts.
Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced that agencies will rescind federal guidance requiring emergency abortions to stabilize pregnant patients. Social media users reacting to the news debated whether abortions are ever needed to save the life of a pregnant person. Other posts discussed common pregnancy symptoms and what may cause them, plus the impact of potential Medicaid cuts on people in maternal health care deserts.
In response, communicators may explain when and why some patients need emergency abortions to protect their health, outline what causes pregnancy symptoms, and share reproductive health care resources for people in rural areas.
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What’s trending nationally in conversations about reproductive health:
On June 3, HHS and CMS announced that agencies will rescind federal guidance that required health care providers in emergency departments to perform abortions to stabilize pregnant patients experiencing medical emergencies, even in states where abortion is banned. However, even states with abortion bans have exceptions to protect the life of the pregnant person, so despite this change in federal guidance, doctors are still legally required to perform abortions if the pregnant person’s life is at risk.
Some Facebook posts sharing articles about the change received more than 100,000 views. Commenters discussed how the guidance—which was issued in 2022 under the existing Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA)—had likely saved lives, and many suggested that rescinding that guidance is “shameful,” stating that health care providers are required to “do no harm.” In response to an article about how Indiana is “the third-worst state in the nation for maternal mortality,” some Facebook users expressed alarm, and others expressed confusion how rescinding federal guidance for emergency abortions could further impact pregnant people in the state. A few commenters falsely claimed that abortion is never needed to save the life of a pregnant person.
On June 5, a TikTok user shared a video claiming without evidence that common symptoms during pregnancy like nausea and fatigue are caused in part by the “quality” of the paternal parent’s sperm. The TikTok user alleged that when the paternal parent’s sperm contain “fragmented DNA,” the embryo will be less likely to thrive, causing fewer pregnancy symptoms, and that “strong” sperm help an embryo thrive, which causes more pregnancy symptoms. While there is some research to suggest that sperm quality impacts embryo development, there is no evidence that sperm quality impacts the type or degree of pregnancy symptoms. The video received approximately 1.2 million views, 88,000 likes, 10,000 saves, and 500 comments as of June 10. Most commenters agreed with the post’s claim that sperm quality impacts pregnancy symptoms. A few said that they did not have many symptoms during pregnancy and wondered if they should be worried about their babies’ health. Some asked what can be done to improve sperm quality.
On June 4, a political Facebook account shared a recent report from the Georgetown University Center for Children and Families, which found that many “women of childbearing age”—especially those in rural areas—rely on Medicaid for health care. Many commenters on the posts expressed alarm at how potential Medicaid cuts could impact women. On June 8, another political Facebook account shared a post stating that one-third of Iowa counties are considered maternal health care deserts and expressed concern about potential Medicaid cuts. Most commenters also expressed worry about potentially losing Medicaid coverage, and a few shared personal stories about their experiences living in maternal health care deserts.
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.
Debate about emergency abortions provides an opportunity to explain that certain pregnancy complications—such as ectopic pregnancy (when an egg implants outside of the uterus), fetal abnormalities, maternal health conditions like heart or kidney problems, and incomplete miscarriage (when some fetal tissue remains in the uterus after a miscarriage) may require an emergency abortion in order to save a pregnant person’s life. Ensuring that materials outlining your state’s abortion laws are up to date is recommended. Communicators may also want to direct people to the Repro Legal Helpline, a free resource that connects people with lawyers who can answer questions about miscarriage, abortion, and birth and supports pregnant people who are being denied lifesaving care.
Given discussions about pregnancy symptoms, messaging may explain that common symptoms during pregnancy may include nausea, vomiting, frequent urination, fatigue, breast tenderness, food cravings or aversions, and moodiness. These symptoms are normal, and they are caused by hormones like human chorionic gonadotropin, estrogen, and progesterone, which rise during pregnancy. It’s possible to not experience pregnancy symptoms and still deliver a healthy baby. Messaging may note that sperm quality may be improved by wearing loose-fitting underwear, reducing sitting, and avoiding saunas, hot tubs, and devices that could expose the scrotum to heat.
In light of discussions about potential Medicaid cuts and maternal health care deserts, communicators may share information about local health centers that provide reproductive health care, including free or low-cost prenatal care. Messaging may also explain that Planned Parenthood currently offers telehealth services and Planned Parenthood Direct, which delivers birth control and emergency contraception to patients’ homes with no in-person appointment required.