In this episode, Therese Markow and Dr. Chelsea Polis discuss the evolution of reproductive rights in the U.S., highlighting the 2022 Supreme Court decision revoking the right to abortion and the historical context of contraception access. Dr. Polis also explains fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) and their effectiveness, noting that some methods have moderate quality studies suggesting high effectiveness, while others are less reliable. She emphasizes the importance of evidence-based information, the need for stronger regulation of femtech products, and the potential privacy risks associated with reproductive health data. Dr. Polis also addresses the broader political strategy to limit reproductive rights and the importance of reproductive justice.

Key Takeaways:

• Fertility tracking technologies are becoming more common (often called femtech), but it is important to note that only two apps have currently been cleared by the FDA for contraceptive purposes - Natural Cycles and Clue (the second is not currently available on the market). While others can help with tracking your cycle, they are not cleared for contraceptive use.

• FABMs focus on observing real-time signs from the body - such as cervical mucus changes and basal body temperature. Over a dozen have been studied in clinical trials, but some methods have been marketed or promoted for contraceptive use without strong evidence from appropriately designed effectiveness studies.

• For people who are in a partnership that is limited in terms of communication, or not supportive, or certainly abusive, or anything along those lines, FABMs would not be a method that somebody could rely on for pregnancy prevention.

• Be very cautious about getting your information on contraception from social media influencers or companies selling specific products, because there is a lot of misinformation out there.

"As my colleagues at Guttmacher have documented, you can't seek to restrict one aspect of sexual and reproductive health without tightening other types of care and people over people, the overarching reproductive freedom. All of these things are deeply interconnected." — Dr. Chelsea Polis

Episode References:

• Guttmacher: https://www.guttmacher.org/united-states/contraception

• Emergence of FemTech in the Sexual and Reproductive Health Landscape: https://www.contraceptionjournal.org/content/femtech

Connect with Dr. Chelsea Polis:

Professional Bio: https://www.guttmacher.org/about/staff/chelsea-polis

Website: https://www.chelseapolis.com/index.html

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/chelseapolis

Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/cbpolis.bsky.social

Connect with Therese:

Website: www.criticallyspeaking.net

Bluesky: @CriticallySpeaking.bsky.social

Instagram: @criticallyspeakingpodcast

Email: theresemarkow@criticallyspeaking.net

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