Censorship of Women's Health Information on Social Media

Over 600 women’s health leaders have raised concerns regarding the censorship of medically accurate information related to women's health on social media platforms. This censorship affects critical topics such as menstruation, fertility, menopause, postpartum recovery, and sexual wellbeing, with posts often misclassified as “adult content” and subsequently removed or restricted by automated moderation systems.

The Independent

The campaign against censorship is spearheaded by CensHERship, which highlights that 95% of women’s health creators reported experiencing censorship in the past year. Many respondents noted issues such as rejected advertising campaigns, removal of educational content, and a lack of transparent appeals processes. This has led to a culture of self-censorship among creators, who often modify their language to avoid content removal.

The Independent

Dr. Aziza Sesay, a medical doctor and broadcaster, emphasized that online censorship perpetuates the stigma surrounding women’s health issues, stating, “Women are dying of embarrassment because they’re not coming forward about their problems due to shame.” Clio Wood, co-founder of CensHERship, argued that “women’s and reproductive health content is not a threat to anyone’s safety,” asserting that the treatment of such content as obscene is detrimental to public health.

The Independent

The open letter from women’s health leaders calls for policymakers to engage with social media platforms to address gender bias in digital regulation. Deirdre O'Neill, chief commercial and legal officer at Hertility, pointed out that even companies built on peer-reviewed science face censorship, indicating a failure in the system designed to protect public health. Rhiannon White, CEO of Clue, highlighted the economic power of women as the largest health and wellness consumers, noting the systemic barriers they face in accessing accurate health information.

The Independent

Critics argue that the current censorship practices not only restrict essential health information but also contribute to a broader public health crisis. The lack of accessible female health knowledge forces women to self-diagnose, while misinformation proliferates unchecked. This creates a confusing marketplace filled with unproven products and inadequate guidance, exacerbating existing health disparities.

The Independent

The Women's Health Visibility Alliance, which includes brands like Essity, Clue, Hertility, Daye, and Mooncup, aims to challenge the systemic bias in digital moderation of women’s health content. The coalition is advocating for regulatory changes that recognize the public health implications of this issue, emphasizing that visibility in women's health is fundamental to innovation and gender equity.

The Independent

• “Dr Aziza Sesay, medical doctor and broadcaster, said: "Online censorship perpetuates the narrative that women’s and gynaecological health is inappropriate and should remain taboo.” — Dr. Aziza Sesay, Medical Doctor

The Independent

• “This is about accurate, life-saving health information being treated as obscene - and about women-led innovation being blocked at scale.” — Clio Wood, Co-founder of CensHERship

The Independent