Conversations about racial disparities in maternal health care continue

Social media users also expressed concern about declining birth control access.

On the heels of Black Maternal Health Week, social media users discussed a Black woman who gained online attention for her low-budget wedding and later died during childbirth, prompting further conversation about racial disparities in health care. Posts also responded to new guidance from the Department of Health and Human Services encouraging clinics receiving Title X grants to promote “natural family planning” rather than more effective options, like birth control pills, raising concern about access to contraception. Plus, after the Supreme Court temporarily paused a lower court ruling that would have banned health care providers from prescribing the abortion pill mifepristone via telehealth and mailing it to patients, commenters shared mixed views on abortion.

Given these discussions, communicators may continue circulating resources for Black pregnant people, outline the range of birth control options, and share information about abortion resources.

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What’s trending nationally in conversations about reproductive health

In late April, articles reported that a Black woman who had previously gone viral for her low-budget wedding had died during childbirth on March 30. Social media users across platforms noted that her death came weeks before Black Maternal Health Week and that Black women are more likely to die during childbirth than other groups. Commenters expressed grief and shared personal experiences of racial bias during labor and delivery.

Earlier this year, DHHS released new guidance revising federal grant funding for Title X, a program that supports reproductive health services at clinics serving low-income and uninsured patients. The guidance prioritizes funding for clinics that promote “natural family planning,” such as fertility awareness methods and period tracking, over more effective forms of contraception, like birth control pills, and asks applicants to “demonstrate how their Title X projects will integrate noninvasive, evidence-based practices that promote health literacy, fertility awareness, and reproductive health without unnecessary medicalization or symptom suppression.” On April 25, Politico published an article outlining how the new guidance could limit birth control access, prompting discussion online. Social media users responding to the article expressed concern about potentially losing access to birth control pills. Some also referenced the Environmental Protection Agency’s recent recommendation that states test their drinking water for pharmaceutical contaminants, including birth control and abortion medications. Many commenters urged others to consider long-acting contraceptive methods, such as intrauterine devices (IUDs).

On May 4, the Supreme Court temporarily paused a May 1 lower court ruling that banned health care providers from prescribing the abortion pill mifepristone via telehealth and mailing it to patients. The pause will remain in effect until May 11 while emergency appeals proceed. Social media users expressed concern that the restrictions could be reinstated after the pause ends, noting that access to abortion pills by mail has expanded access to care. Many also stated that mifepristone is safe and used in a range of medical contexts, including treatment for postpartum hemorrhage. Some users expressed support for limiting mifepristone access, citing religious and moral beliefs.

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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. 

Ongoing conversations about how racial bias in health care contributes to poor maternal health outcomes highlight the need for resources tailored to Black pregnant people. Communicators may direct audiences to organizations such as the BLACK Doula Network and the National Black Doulas Association and share information on how pregnant people can advocate for their needs during labor and delivery.

In light of concerns about birth control access, communicators may highlight the range of birth control methods, their effectiveness, and how to access them. Messaging may note that while birth control is highly effective, no method is 100 percent effective at preventing pregnancy. Using condoms—which also protect against sexually transmitted infections—in addition to another form of birth control can further reduce the risk of pregnancy.

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.

Discussions about mifepristone provide an opportunity to explain that patients can still access the medication via telehealth and receive it by mail, though this could change after May 11. Communicators should ensure that all abortion messaging reflects current state laws and the latest court rulings. Messaging may emphasize that abortion pills are safe and the risk of major complications is less than 1 percent. Communicators may also want to recirculate resources like AbortionFinder.org, which helps people find reputable providers; Plan C, which provides information about accessing abortion pills; the Repro Legal Helpline, which connects people with legal support for questions about abortion, miscarriage, and birth; and the National Network of Abortion Funds, which assists with covering the cost of abortion care and related expenses.