Women are getting off birth control amid misinformation explosion

The spread of medical misinformation on social media has resulted in misconceptions about the safety and efficacy of hormonal birth-control methods.

Search for “birth control” on TikTok or Instagram and a cascade of misleading videos vilifying hormonal contraception appear: Young women blaming their weight gain on the pill. Right-wing commentators claiming that some birth control can lead to infertility. Testimonials complaining of depression and anxiety.

The long-standing lack of physician transparency about some of the serious but rare side effects has prompted patients to seek advice from unqualified online communities. The underfunding of women’s health research also leaves many questions unanswered because of the dearth of quality scientific studies, allowing misinformation to fill the gap. (President Biden signed an executive order March 18 to strengthen data collection and funding for women’s health research.)

The false narratives that birth-control pills and intrauterine devices (IUDs) cause infertility and other health problems lead some women to make contraceptive decisions based on fear rather than facts.

As a consequence, women may face unintended pregnancies or other health complications amid continued efforts by Republicans to restrict reproductive health options in the United States.

Here’s what to know about birth control:

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