By Emeline Vin, RFI London correspondent

Doctors in Scotland point to many factors that could explain the increase in abortions. In particular, gynecologists and doctors report an increase in misleading videos on TikTok and social media in general, with the proliferation of hashtags such as #naturalbirthcontrol (natural contraception) and #hormonefree (no hormones).

Influencers

An example of the message expressed in the video: “Natural contraception is ‘the way to go’. The fertility observation method is very good: you monitor your cycle by measuring your body temperature and analyzing your cervical fluid. It is very effective. You can see the follicular, luteal, “ovulation and menstruation, so you know when you’re fertile and when you’re not fertile. I’ve been using it for three years and it’s very effective. But you have to do it right,” said the woman. .

Fertility observation methods are often recommended to increase a couple’s chances of getting pregnant. However, many videos show young women using thermometers to measure their body temperature every morning. Influencers who use scientific terms and call themselves “hormone coaches,” “health coaches,” or “lifestyle specialists.”

Refusal of traditional contraceptive methods

This contraceptive method is not reliable. According to Scottish health experts, “natural” methods, such as taking body temperature, are only 75% reliable (and do not protect against sexually transmitted infections). And it’s even less reliable for women whose periods are irregular, as is often the case with young girls. Influencers don’t say so in their videos, which are rarely longer than a minute, and often don’t offer any alternatives.

This movement was accompanied by a rejection (again on social media and especially on TikTok) of pills and hormonal methods. There are stories described on these networks that go viral: women whose acne exploded due to pills, who gained a lot of weight, or whose IUDs fell out on their own.

Unequal access to health services

These self-proclaimed experts make the frightening – and unfounded – claim that hormonal methods are highly carcinogenic, altering gut flora and causing depression. This is a possible side effect of hormonal contraception, but it is very rare.

Doctors in Scotland are urging young women to consult their GP and gynecologist to find the most suitable contraceptive method for them, remembering that every woman is different. But they lamented the shortage of health professionals across the country and its impact on disparities in access to health services. They are demanding more sexual education in schools, to give all young women the tools necessary to confront medical misinformation on the Internet.