In a period marked by intense political debates in the United States, some Wellness influencers are spreading misinformation about the birth control pill. Experts warn that these claims without scientific basis could increase the number of unwanted pregnancies.
The controversy arises in a context where abortion and contraception are central issues of the next presidential elections, in which Joe Biden and Donald Trump will face each other. The latter, during his mandate (2017-2021), imposed numerous restrictions on the right to abortion.
Taylor Gossett, with nearly 200,000 followers on TikTok, describes the pill as “toxic” and promotes “natural” birth control methods. Along the same lines, Candace Owens, known for her conservative positions, suggests that the drug can cause infertility, without offering proof.
On the other hand, Naftali Moses, to his 280,000 followers, tells them that the pill could alter sexual behavior. Sahara Rose, in a video that has accumulated more than 550,000 views, goes further to accuse the pill of being a “divorce pill”, claiming that it affects the choice of partner.
The new misinformation campaign could “dissuade” people from using the pill, warned Michael Belmonte, a member of ACOG, one of the main associations of American obstetricians and gynecologists.
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Experts worried
Michael Belmonte, member of the American Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG), expressed, in dialogue with ‘AFP’, concern about how this misinformation can deter the use of reliable contraceptive methods, especially in a context where access to abortion is every ever more limited.
The doctor stated that He himself has treated patients who became pregnant after stopping the contraceptive method due to this “harmful misinformation.”
These messages could also contribute to the stigma and shame associated with body image, according to Sherman. Despite possible side effects, such as nausea and headaches, health authorities say the birth control pill is safe and effective.
Sherman concludes: “People don’t realize that many influencers have their own financial interests in spreading false information. or misleading and do not prioritize the health of the people they are addressing.
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*This content was made with the assistance of artificial intelligence, based on information from AFP, and was reviewed by the journalist and an editor.
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