Misinformation related to abortion

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Misinformation related to abortion pertains to incorrect or misleading information related to abortion and its implications, including its medical, legal and societal effects. [1] Misinformation and disinformation related to abortion can stem from political, religious and social groups, particularly on social media. Abortion misinformation can impact public opinion, access to abortion services and policy-making. Misinformation can also divert pregnant people from accessing safe and timely care from appropriately trained medical practitioners. [2] Similarly, abortion misinformation can lead to confusion, stigma and increased feeling of shame in those undergoing the procedure. [3]

Contents

Extent and scope

Digital platforms have often been a source of misinformation regarding abortion. A 2014 investigation into the websites of crisis pregnancy centers revealed that 80% of these sites disseminated inaccurate information, frequently perpetuating unfounded myths about the health risks associated with abortion. [4] Another study analyzing the first five results from Google searches related to abortion medication found the majority of these pages propagated similar misinformation. Common inaccuracies on these web pages include claims that abortion medication can lead to mental illness, adversely affect fertility, or elevate mortality risk. [5] A report from the Guttmacher Institute showed that information presented in the state health departments of the United States sometimes contain inaccurate or incomplete information, including out-of-date and biased information. [6] The same report and another study showed that an overwhelming majority of the crisis pregnancy centers provided misleading information related to abortion. [7]

Social media

A study shows that 36.5% of the posts related to abortion on Instagram contained misinformation. Out of the misinformation posts containing medical information, 84.2% were anti-abortion. Around 97% of misinformation posts were created by non-medical providers. [8]

Facebook ads for abortion reversal, an unproven and unsafe medical procedure, deliberately targeted women and girls as young as 13 and have been shown to Facebook users up to 18.4 million times. Google also placed ads for abortion reversal in as much as 83% of the searches related to abortion. [9]

Commonly propagated misinformation

Here is a list of commonly propagated misinformation related to abortion globally.

Impact

The impact of abortion misinformation is wide-reaching, influencing individuals across the spectrum of beliefs about abortion. Marginalized communities could face heightened adverse effects from abortion misinformation due to their higher abortion rates, reduced access to healthcare, lower levels of health literacy, limited access to reliable health information, and a diminished trust in healthcare providers, as well as due to a prolonged history of systemic racism in healthcare. [15]

A survey found that 67% of "pro-choice" respondents and 88% of "pro-life" respondents believed that childbirth is either safer or as safe as undergoing an abortion. Contrary to these beliefs, childbirth's mortality rate is considerably higher, ranging between 50 and 130 times greater than that of abortion. [11]

About 25 to 30% of American women will terminate pregnancy at some point in their lives. However, highly educated and higher-income Americans are likely to believe that abortion is rare. Among Americans without a college degree, 54% underestimate abortion rates, compared with 70% of those with graduate degrees. The frequency of abortion is underestimated by 67% of men and 57% of women. Low income and less educated women, the group that is more likely to undergo an abortion, were more likely to estimate the abortion rates correctly. [11]

Challenges due to abortion infodemic

Due to the high prevalence of abortion infodemic, physicians who speak publicly about abortion have been targeted and harassed. Physicians providing abortion services may face stigma in the workplace, in their communities, and from colleagues. [2]

In some states, providing abortion services might ensure litigation. Misinformation related to abortion among healthcare professionals and legislators may lead to abortion legislation being written vaguely or inaccurately. Confusing information related to abortion may also cause physicians to deny abortions in instances where the patient's complications are considered to not have met the legal threshold for "life threatening". Abortion misinformation may have implications in physicians getting less opportunities or having less incentives to practice abortion care, resulting in fewer physicians qualifying for performing safe abortions. [15]

Related Research Articles

Abortion is the termination of a pregnancy by removal or expulsion of an embryo or fetus. An abortion that occurs without intervention is known as a miscarriage or "spontaneous abortion"; these occur in approximately 30% to 40% of all pregnancies. When deliberate steps are taken to end a pregnancy, it is called an induced abortion, or less frequently "induced miscarriage". The unmodified word abortion generally refers to an induced abortion. The most common reason women give for having an abortion is for birth-timing and limiting family size. Other reasons reported include maternal health, an inability to afford a child, domestic violence, lack of support, feeling they are too young, wishing to complete education or advance a career, and not being able or willing to raise a child conceived as a result of rape or incest.

Dilationand curettage (D&C) refers to the dilation of the cervix and surgical removal of sections and or layers of the lining of the uterus and or contents of the uterus such as an unwanted fetus, remains of a non viable fetus, retained placenta after birth or abortion as well as any abnormal tissue which may be in the uterus causing abnormal cycles by scraping and scooping (curettage). It is a gynecologic procedure used for treatment and removal as well as diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, and is the most commonly used method for First-Trimester Abortion or miscarriage.

Intact dilation and extraction is a surgical procedure that removes an intact fetus from the uterus. The procedure is used both after miscarriages and for abortions in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maternal death</span> Aspect of human reproduction and medicine

Maternal death or maternal mortality is defined in slightly different ways by several different health organizations. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines maternal death as the death of a pregnant mother due to complications related to pregnancy, underlying conditions worsened by the pregnancy or management of these conditions. This can occur either while she is pregnant or within six weeks of resolution of the pregnancy. The CDC definition of pregnancy-related deaths extends the period of consideration to include one year from the resolution of the pregnancy. Pregnancy associated death, as defined by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), are all deaths occurring within one year of a pregnancy resolution. Identification of pregnancy associated deaths is important for deciding whether or not the pregnancy was a direct or indirect contributing cause of the death.

Late termination of pregnancy, also referred to as third trimester abortion, describes the termination of pregnancy by induced abortion during a late stage of gestation. In this context, late is not precisely defined, and different medical publications use varying gestational age thresholds. As of 2015 in the United States, more than 90% of abortions occur before the 13th week, 1.3% of abortions in the United States took place after the 21st week, and less than 1% occur after 24 weeks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pregnancy</span> Time of offspring development in mothers body

Pregnancy is the time during which one or more offspring develops (gestates) inside a woman's uterus (womb). A multiple pregnancy involves more than one offspring, such as with twins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vacuum aspiration</span> Gynaecological procedure

Vacuum or suction aspiration is a procedure that uses a vacuum source to remove an embryo or fetus through the cervix. The procedure is performed to induce abortion, as a treatment for incomplete spontaneous abortion or retained fetal and placental tissue, or to obtain a sample of uterine lining. It is generally safe, and serious complications rarely occur.

Dilation and evacuation (D&E) or dilatation and evacuation is the dilation of the cervix and surgical evacuation of the uterus after the first trimester of pregnancy. It is a method of abortion as well as a common procedure used after miscarriage to remove all pregnancy tissue.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Self-induced abortion</span> Abortion performed by a pregnant person themselves outside the recognized medical system

A self-induced abortion is an abortion performed by the pregnant woman herself, or with the help of other, non-medical assistance. Although the term includes abortions induced outside of a clinical setting with legal, sometimes over-the-counter medication, it also refers to efforts to terminate a pregnancy through alternative, potentially more dangerous methods. Such practices may present a threat to the health of women.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sexual and reproductive health</span> State of the reproductive system without evidence of disease, disorders, or deficiencies

Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) is a field of research, health care, and social activism that explores the health of an individual's reproductive system and sexual well-being during all stages of their life. Sexual and reproductive health is more commonly defined as sexual and reproductive health and rights, to encompass individual agency to make choices about their sexual and reproductive lives.

Heartbeat International is an international anti-abortion association that supports the largest network of crisis pregnancy centers (CPC) in the world, with over 2,000 affiliates in 50 countries. It does not offer, recommend, or refer for abortions. Heartbeat International describes itself as an "Interdenominational Christian association". Heartbeat International teaches its affiliated members to make their advertising look as though they are full-service reproductive health clinics that provide referrals for birth control or abortion. Staff are also trained on how to discourage pregnant women from accessing abortion, and how to discourage young women from using emergency contraception, birth control pills, or IUDs. Heartbeat staff are also encouraged to create two websites, one that has an explicitly Christian message, and one that looks like Planned Parenthood. Many pregnancy centers have the ultimate goal of converting women through a born-again experience to "save the mother, save the baby".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Crisis pregnancy center</span> Organization that persuades pregnant women against having abortions

A crisis pregnancy center (CPC), sometimes called a pregnancy resource center (PRC) or a pro-life pregnancy center, is a type of nonprofit organization established by anti-abortion groups primarily to persuade pregnant women not to have an abortion. In the United States, CPCs that qualify as medical clinics may also provide pregnancy testing, sonograms, and other services, while many others operate without medical licensing under varying degrees of regulation.

Preconception counseling is an informative discussion with a healthcare professional by an individual with or without support people who is interested in a future pregnancy. The goal of preconception care is to educate people on the importance of health optimization prior to pregnancy to reduce the risk for pregnancy complications and promote a healthy intrauterine environment for normal fetal growth and development. It generally includes a preconception risk assessment for any potential complications of pregnancy as well as modifications of risk factors, such as increasing folic acid intake to reduce the risk of neural tube defects and counseling on smoking cessation, alcohol reduction, and medications that may compromise fetal development. Physicians, midwives and baby experts recommend that an individual should visit them as soon as a person is contemplating having a child, and optimally at least 3 to 6 months before actual attempts are made to conceive. This time frame allows a woman to better prepare her body for successful conception (fertilization) and pregnancy, and allows her to reduce any health risks which are within her control. Agencies such as the March of Dimes have developed screening tools that healthcare providers can use with their patients. In addition, obstetricians or midwives have developed comprehensive check-lists and assessments for the woman who is planning to become pregnant.

Maternal health is the health of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. In most cases, maternal health encompasses the health care dimensions of family planning, preconception, prenatal, and postnatal care in order to ensure a positive and fulfilling experience. In other cases, maternal health can reduce maternal morbidity and mortality. Maternal health revolves around the health and wellness of pregnant women, particularly when they are pregnant, at the time they give birth, and during child-raising. WHO has indicated that even though motherhood has been considered as a fulfilling natural experience that is emotional to the mother, a high percentage of women develop health problems and sometimes even die. Because of this, there is a need to invest in the health of women. The investment can be achieved in different ways, among the main ones being subsidizing the healthcare cost, education on maternal health, encouraging effective family planning, and ensuring progressive check up on the health of women with children. Maternal morbidity and mortality particularly affects women of color and women living in low and lower-middle income countries.

Abortion has been legal in India under various circumstances with the introduction of the Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy Regulations, 2003 were issued under the Act to enable women to access safe and legal abortion services.

Abortion in Guyana is legal during the first eight weeks of pregnancy, but it is illegal after eight weeks except in cases of endangering the maternal or fetal health. Throughout much of the 20th century, it was officially illegal but rarely were laws against abortion ever enforced. In 1995, legislation was passed which made abortion legal as long as it was done within the first 8 weeks of pregnancy and done with the consent of the pregnant woman and by a licensed medical practitioner.

Unintended pregnancies are pregnancies that are mistimed, unplanned or unwanted at the time of conception.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Abortion-rights movements</span> Social movement advocating for legal access to abortion

Abortion-rights movements, also self-styled as pro-choice movements, advocate for the right to have legal access to induced abortion services including elective abortion. They seek to represent and support women who wish to terminate their pregnancy without fear of legal or social backlash. These movements are in direct opposition to anti-abortion movements.

Transgender pregnancy is the gestation of one or more embryos or fetuses by transgender people. As of 2023, the possibility is restricted to those born with female reproductive systems. However, transition-related treatments may impact fertility. Transgender men and nonbinary people who are or wish to become pregnant face social, medical, legal, and psychological concerns. As uterus transplantations are currently experimental, and none have successfully been performed on trans women, they cannot become pregnant.

A medical abortion, also known as medication abortion or non-surgical abortion, occurs when drugs (medication) are used to bring about an abortion. Medical abortions are an alternative to surgical abortions such as vacuum aspiration or dilation and curettage. Medical abortions are more common than surgical abortions in most places around the world.

References

  1. 1 2 3 "Gendered Health Misinformation". meedan.com. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  2. 1 2 "Increasing Access to Abortion". www.acog.org. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  3. ↑ Sherman, Jenna. "How Abortion Misinformation and Disinformation Spread Online". Scientific American. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  4. ↑ Bryant, Amy G.; Narasimhan, Subasri; Bryant-Comstock, Katelyn; Levi, Erika E. (December 2014). "Crisis pregnancy center websites: Information, misinformation and disinformation". Contraception. 90 (6): 601–605. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2014.07.003. PMID   25091391 . Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  5. ↑ Pleasants, Elizabeth; Guendelman, Sylvia; Weidert, Karen; Prata, Ndola (21 January 2021). "Quality of top webpages providing abortion pill information for Google searches in the USA: An evidence-based webpage quality assessment". PLOS ONE. 16 (1): e0240664. Bibcode:2021PLoSO..1640664P. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240664 . ISSN   1932-6203. PMC   7819599 . PMID   33476340.
  6. ↑ "Misinformed Consent: The Medical Accuracy of State-Developed Abortion Counseling Materials". Guttmacher Institute. 9 November 2015. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  7. ↑ Bryant, Amy G.; Narasimhan, Subasri; Bryant-Comstock, Katelyn; Levi, Erika E. (December 2014). "Crisis pregnancy center websites: Information, misinformation and disinformation". Contraception. 90 (6): 601–605. doi:10.1016/j.contraception.2014.07.003. ISSN   1879-0518. PMID   25091391 . Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  8. ↑ Potter, Kaylee; Bauer, Callie Cox; Laiwalla, Rahim; Lanza, Shannon (May 2023). "A Look at Social Media and Misinformation in Regard to Abortion [ID: 1379920]". Obstetrics & Gynecology. 141 (5S): 91S. doi:10.1097/01.AOG.0000931104.72428.c0. ISSN   0029-7844. S2CID   258767793 . Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  9. ↑ "Endangering Women for Profit". Center for Countering Digital Hate | CCDH. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  10. 1 2 "What facts about abortion do I need to know?". www.plannedparenthood.org. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  11. 1 2 3 "We polled 1,060 Americans about abortion. This is what they got wrong. What Americans think about abortion". Vox.com. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  12. 1 2 3 4 Rowlands, Sam (2011). "Misinformation on abortion" (PDF). The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care. 16 (4): 233–240. doi:10.3109/13625187.2011.570883. PMID   21557713. S2CID   13500769. Archived from the original on 17 February 2019. Retrieved 30 September 2023.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  13. ↑ Fischer, Kristen. "When Can a Fetus Feel Pain in the Womb?". WebMD. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  14. ↑ "Abortions Later in Pregnancy". KFF. 5 December 2019. Retrieved 30 September 2023.
  15. 1 2 Pagoto, Sherry L; Palmer, Lindsay; Horwitz-Willis, Nate (4 May 2023). "The Next Infodemic: Abortion Misinformation". Journal of Medical Internet Research. 25: e42582. doi: 10.2196/42582 . ISSN   1439-4456. PMC   10196890 . PMID   37140975.
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