Searches for women’s health topics surge since Election Day

Online searches for topics related to women’s health have spiked since the Nov. 5 election.

According to Google data, searches for IUDs, birth control pills and Plan B are trending higher than in June 2022, when Roe v. Wade was overturned.

Katherine Drabiak, a public health expert, believes uncertainty following the presidential election is playing a big role in this surge in online searches.

“Trying to figure out how that candidate, that candidate’s policies will kind of impact life as we know it right now,” Drabiak said.

During an interview with a Pittsburgh television station in May, President-elect Donald Trump was asked if he supports restrictions on a person’s right to contraceptives. Trump responded in part by saying, “We’re looking at that and we’re going to have a policy on that very shortly.”

Trump later took to “Truth Social” to clarify his position, writing in part, “I have never and will never advocate imposing restrictions on birth control.”

Alicia Hughes, a law professor and expert on reproductive health, believes many are feeling anxious and nervous, which is why searches are growing.

“So women are looking at, ‘What is the landscape for my healthcare?'” Hughes said.

Hughes recommends paying extra attention to where you’re getting your information.

“Let’s make sure that when you’re looking at things, these are reputable sites with reputable reporting,” said Hughes.

As president, Trump would have the authority to order rollbacks of measures put in place by the Biden administration protecting birth control. He could also work with Congress to enact legislation on women’s reproductive rights.

Have a news tip? Contact Geoffrey Harris at [e-mail] or at x.com/GeoffHarrisTV.