Reproductive health researchers have often repeated the talking point that expanded access to birth control leads to fewer unwanted pregnancies and helps drive down the rate of abortions.
But some contend the reverse is true.
"Planned Parenthood has always claimed that their birth control programs are designed to prevent the need for abortion. They argue that contraceptive services lower unwanted pregnancy rates. This is a lie. Lie. Lie," read a Jan. 11 Instagram post by Seth Gruber, an anti-abortion activist. "A number of studies have demonstrated that as contraception becomes more accessible, the number of unwanted pregnancies actually rises, thus increasing the demand for abortion."
The post was flagged as part of Facebook’s efforts to combat false news and misinformation on its News Feed. (Read more about our partnership with Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram.
There is no credible evidence that supports this claim. The sources Gruber cites in his post date to the 1980s and include news articles and opinion papers.
Gruber declined to provide more information about his sources or his claim.
"This claim is false and is not grounded in science," said Dr. Christopher Zahn, chief of clinical practice and health equity and quality for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. "The spread of medical misinformation, myths and fallacies is harmful for patients. People seeking information about their health online should refer only to reliable sources."
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