Influencers and Birth Control Decisions Post-Roe v. Wade

Following the Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022, the landscape of birth control choices has shifted significantly. Many reports highlight how state abortion bans have influenced decisions, with an increase in the use of long-acting or permanent birth control methods. Data confirms this trend, showing rises in use of intrauterine devices, implants, vasectomies, and tubal ligations.

Yet, according to Dr. Caitlin Bernard, an OB-GYN in Indianapolis who leads a statewide free birth control program, her patients rarely discuss the abortion ban that has been in effect for years in Indiana. Bernard, involved in a notable abortion case soon after the legal changes, states, “This is just the normal status quo now. Other factors impact contraception decisions more.” Patients are focusing on whether to take a pill or opt for an IUD, and the coverage options provided by insurance. Financial concerns also drive choices, with attempts to avoid unexpected medical expenses.

Bernard indicates that contemporary influences significantly affect these decisions: social media and the rising impact of “Make America Healthy Again” and “trad wife” influencer communities. These groups propagate content criticizing hormonal birth control, despite established research confirming its safety and effectiveness. Videos exaggerate side effects and undermine non-hormonal alternatives, often presented by individuals lacking medical credentials.

“There is definitely a social media phenomenon of wellness influencers with non-evidence-based personal experiences that are just ricocheting through the stratosphere,” states Cynthia Harper, a contraception researcher at the University of California San Francisco.

This social media wave aligns with ideological movements emphasizing traditional roles for women, which some argue contribute to negative perceptions of contraception.

Political dynamics further complicate access. The past administration reduced funding for reproductive health providers, impacting availability of birth control services. Harper notes concerning trends of lowered access to contraception.

Interestingly, despite abortion bans, the number of abortions has risen. Harper suggests a potential link to decreased birth control use leading to more unplanned pregnancies. Yet, Brittni Frederiksen, a researcher with KFF, attributes rising abortion rates to increased accessibility via telehealth medication abortions. These allow patients to receive pills through pharmacies or mail after telehealth consultations, gaining popularity since COVID-19.

A legal case in Louisiana seeks to limit telehealth medication abortions nationwide. Meanwhile, results from KFF’s biennial women’s health survey indicate contraception usage remains consistent, countering theories of declining birth control adoption directly influencing abortion rates.

Shifting cultural attitudes and political decisions surrounding birth control may not be fully reflected in current data. However, they underscore ongoing changes in healthcare access and choice.