Article fuels outrage about violence against pregnant people
Other posts questioned whether PrEP is right for heterosexual people and discussed declining fertility rates.
Other posts questioned whether PrEP is right for heterosexual people and discussed declining fertility rates.
A recent article highlighted research showing that young women face higher rates of homicide during and after pregnancy, inciting online conversation about intimate partner violence. In other discussions, posts questioned whether heterosexual people should take pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, to prevent HIV and discussed the potential causes of declining fertility rates.
In light of these conversations, communicators may share resources for people experiencing intimate partner violence, explain who can take PrEP and how to access it, and share information about improving fertility.
Insights brought to you by the reporters and science writers of Public Good News (PGN), a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to improving community health.
What’s trending nationally in reproductive health conversation:
Early last month, the New York Times published an opinion article reporting that young women—particularly Black women—face an elevated risk of homicide during and after pregnancy. The article opened with the story of a 20-year-old mother who was murdered by her boyfriend. The New York Times shared the article on Instagram, where it received approximately 3.7 million views, 110,300 likes, and 1,300 comments as of January 7. Commenters expressed outrage at violence against women and said there should be more resources for people who experience intimate partner violence.
On December 31, 2024, an X post stated that heterosexual people should be taking PrEP and that the world may not be “ready for that conversation.” The post received approximately 2.6 million views, 58,000 likes, 6,000 reposts, and 350 comments as of January 7. Commenters argued about whether PrEP is right for heterosexual people. One commenter stated that when they asked their doctor about PrEP, their doctor incorrectly stated that the medication is only meant for gay men and sex workers.
On December 14, 2024, the Wall Street Journal reported that chemicals in everyday products may be fueling decreasing fertility rates. The article was shared across social media platforms, and the newspaper’s Instagram post received approximately 1.1 million views, 11,700 likes, and 290 comments as of January 7. Many comments stated that this news was “old” and unsurprising, while some expressed concern that the world is facing a “fertility crisis.” On a Facebook post sharing the article, some comments falsely claimed that COVID-19 vaccines cause infertility.
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.
Conversations about violence against pregnant people provide an opportunity to share resources for pregnant people and others who are experiencing intimate partner violence. Resources may include local shelters for survivors of intimate partner violence; the National Domestic Violence Hotline; the RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline; the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline; and the Love is Respect National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline. Outlining the warning signs of abuse and explaining how to create a safety plan is recommended.
In response to questions about PrEP, messaging may explain that this medication reduces the risk of contracting HIV through sex or injecting drugs by around 99 percent when taken correctly. It is usually taken daily as a pill, but it can also be taken as a shot every other month. The CDC says PrEP may be right for sexually active people of all genders and sexual orientations who have sexual partners with HIV, do not consistently use condoms during vaginal or anal sex, or have been diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection in the past six months. PrEP may also be right for anyone who injects drugs and shares injection equipment. Patients can get PrEP from their health care provider or at a health clinic or local health department. Most insurance plans cover PrEP, and payment assistance programs are available for patients who need to pay for PrEP out of pocket.
Concerns about fertility indicate a need for guidance on improving fertility. Messaging may explain that many factors may improve fertility, including avoiding sexually transmitted infections, eating a nutrient-dense diet, maintaining a regular sleep schedule, limiting alcohol and caffeine, avoiding smoking, focusing on gentle exercise, and limiting exposure to pesticides, dry-cleaning solvents, and lead. Additionally, sperm quality may be improved by wearing loose-fitting underwear, reducing sitting, and avoiding saunas, hot tubs, and devices that may expose the scrotum to heat. People who are trying to get pregnant should also talk to their health care providers about any medications they take, as some medications may impact fertility. Ensuring that materials about COVID-19 vaccines explain that the vaccines do not cause fertility problems is recommended.