An Open Letter on World Contraception Day to Those Concerned About Reproductive Health

To Women, Girls, and Frankly Everyone:

A growing health concern is impacting women everywhere: misinformation about contraception and reproductive care.^[1],[2] It comes amidst a particularly fragile time for reproductive health for women and girls in the US.^[3] Confusion, information overload, harmful myths, and anecdotal experiences flood our screens, feeds and conversations on a daily basis, which can influence a decision-making process more than evidence-based options from a healthcare provider.^[1],[4] Misinformation about reproductive health, including contraceptive care, may potentially contribute to higher unplanned pregnancy rates, increased STI rates, and an overall misunderstanding of women's contraception and broader health care options.^[5],[6]

As a practicing board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist in Georgia, daughter, aunt, and sister, I see the distortions we experience around reproductive health and contraception constantly, and I've seen how detrimental this can be to women and their community.^[4] I know what we are up against and that we can and we should educate ourselves with accurate contraceptive information, so we have the power to make informed decisions.

I'd like to propose a perspective, and it starts with you. Today, even when it may feel more difficult to make an informed decision about your health, you have the ability to ask yourself the tough questions about your contraceptive options and the information you consume. Am I using the right birth control for me, and do I know how effective it is? Do I know all my options? Where am I getting my information, who is the source, and what biases might this source have? What questions can I ask my doctor or provider?  

The source matters. Starting with a doctor or medically reviewed online sources gives each of us the best chance of understanding the wide range of contraceptive options women have and how those options may help you meet your health needs, personal goals, and prevent an unplanned pregnancy.^[5] This type of critical thinking can also be a great way to assess other sources of medical information for other health conditions.

I've come to expect that patients will arrive at the office with information they've gathered from friends, public figures, television, and yes, social media. I've had to revise my approach to understand their fears without judgement and help them discern the difference between truth, half-truths, or plainly wrong information. This is at the heart of patient-centric counseling. As a doctor I strive to be a safe space, trusted confidant and a person who deeply cares about my patients beyond their visit. But it is more than that.

It takes all of us to be part of a support system that shares credible sources and fact-based information, so together, we can tell an accurate story of contraception, total women's health and reproductive education. As women, it's our lives, and those of our daughters, nieces and friends that are impacted in addition to the lives of our families and community. As people (men, I'm looking at you, too!), we need to understand this issue affects us all. Not only may unplanned pregnancies have impacts on women, but it may also affect societal outcomes.^[7]

As the Head of Medical Affairs and Outcomes Research at Organon, I understand the importance of fact-based information that is fair, balanced, and without judgement. Organon is a global healthcare company, dedicated to improving the health of women throughout their lives.  It's part of our mission to ensure quality care and access to information for women, girls, and those they love, everywhere.  We know we can't do it alone.

Let's meet this movement head on, wading through misinformation around women's reproductive health, by educating, inspiring, empowering, and ultimately lifting up women and girls everywhere. Doing this benefits all of us.

Dr. Charlotte Owens
Head of Medical Affairs and Outcomes Research
Organon