Posts about birth after 40 generate discussion about fertility treatment

Meanwhile, an egg donor’s viral story sparked questions about anonymity.

Recent posts about births among people over 40 fueled discussion about fertility treatment, while a viral story led many to question whether anonymous egg donation is still possible in the age of consumer DNA testing. Additionally, the sentencing of a Memphis gynecologist convicted of failing to sterilize medical devices, among other offenses, fueled conversations about patient safety, trust in reproductive health care, and the importance of asking questions before gynecological procedures.

Given these conversations, communicators may recirculate information about fertility treatment, explain how egg donation works, and share information about patients’ rights.

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What’s trending nationally in conversations about reproductive health

In the past two weeks, several social media posts resurfaced data showing that in 2023, births among people over 40 exceeded births among teens, and some garnered more than 1 million views as of July 22. The renewed attention may have been fueled by recent news about celebrities who are pregnant later in life, such as Anne Hathaway. Some commenters pointed out that pregnancies at older ages often involve in vitro fertilization or other potentially expensive fertility treatments, warning that headlines sometimes lack that context.

Last week, a social media user shared a post saying that she’d donated her eggs at age 20 to help pay her rent and was later contacted by a young woman claiming to be her biological daughter. The social media user who shared the post said she did not want a relationship with the young woman, which stirred controversy online and led to posts with more than 1 million views as of July 22. Commenters asked whether “anonymous” egg donation is still possible, as consumer DNA testing is more accessible. Many said that the story made them reconsider donating their eggs because they did not want to be identified years later.

On July 8, a Memphis gynecologist was sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of reusing single-use medical devices during hysteroscopies (a procedure that allows a doctor to examine the inside of patient’s uterus and cervix using a thin, lighted telescope), failing to properly disinfect hysteroscopy equipment, and committing health care fraud. In the following weeks, social media users discussed trust and accountability in reproductive health care. Many commenters noted how vulnerable patients can feel during gynecologic procedures and expressed concern about knowing whether recommended procedures are medically necessary or whether clinics are following proper infection-control practices. Some said they planned to ask more questions about recommended procedures and infection-control measures before consenting to care.

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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 pregnancy after 40 provide an opportunity to explain that the ability to get pregnant begins to slowly decline when people enter their 30s and that fertility treatments, such as IVF, medication, or intrauterine insemination, may be necessary after that age. Messaging may note that fertility treatments are covered by some insurance plans, with some states mandating coverage. Directing people to grants that help cover fertility treatment costs is also recommended.

In response to discussions about egg donation, communicators may explain that anonymity is not guaranteed. While donors and parents who receive donor eggs typically sign contracts outlining expectations about future contact with donor-conceived children, those contracts cannot prevent adult donor-conceived children from identifying a donor through consumer DNA testing services or social media.

Stories about medical misconduct during reproductive health procedures may make patients concerned to seek care, including for preventative health screenings. Messaging may explain that infection-control standards and licensing requirements help protect patients and hold providers accountable when those standards are violated. Communicators may explain that patients have the right to ask why a procedure is recommended, what its benefits and risks are, and how medical equipment is cleaned before agreeing to treatment. Messaging may also include patient self-advocacy tips.