Health Misinformation Poses Significant Threat to Women’s Wellbeing

Health Misinformation Labeled as Violence Against Women by Canadian Medical Society

When women receive false or misleading health information, the consequences can extend far beyond simple confusion. The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada (SOGC) is taking a bold stance by formally categorizing health misinformation and disinformation as a form of violence against women.

The organization, backed by experts from its sexual and reproductive health committee, warns that misleading health information can lead women to make dangerous decisions about medications or supplements, or prevent them from accessing evidence-based treatments. This not only compromises women’s safety but undermines trust in healthcare providers and scientifically-proven treatments.

“Misinformation about women’s health has real consequences,” said a spokesperson for the SOGC. “When women can’t access reliable information or are deliberately misled, their physical and mental wellbeing is put at risk.”

In advance of Global Media and Information Literacy Week, the SOGC is calling for comprehensive government action to combat this growing problem. The organization is specifically urging Canadian officials at all levels to fund initiatives that address the significant data gaps in women’s health research and outcomes.

One key proposal from the SOGC is the creation of a national women’s health data dashboard. This would serve as a practical, cost-effective solution to track health outcomes, counter false information, and inform evidence-based policies. Such a resource could provide healthcare providers, researchers, and the public with accurate, up-to-date information about women’s health issues.

The call for action comes amid growing concern about the proliferation of health misinformation on social media platforms. Studies have shown that algorithms often prioritize engagement over accuracy, sometimes amplifying misleading or incorrect health information to millions of users.

The SOGC emphasizes that addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach. While government funding is crucial, the organization also highlights the responsibility of social media companies and other digital platforms in limiting the spread of health misinformation.

“Tech companies and platforms that financially benefit from the spread of misinformation must be held accountable,” the SOGC stated. “This includes implementing stronger content moderation policies specifically for health information and ensuring advertising practices don’t prioritize profit over public health.”

Digital literacy is another key component of the SOGC’s proposed solution. By educating the public about how to identify credible health information and recognize potential misinformation, individuals can better protect themselves from harmful content.

The SOGC continues to be a trusted voice in women’s health across Canada and internationally. The organization offers numerous evidence-based resources covering a wide range of women’s health topics, including sexual health, contraception, abortion care, menopause, menstruation, and pregnancy. These resources are designed to provide women with accurate, science-based information directly from healthcare professionals.

The organization’s stance represents a significant escalation in how health misinformation is characterized, framing it not merely as a nuisance but as a form of gender-based violence with real-world consequences for women’s health outcomes.

Health experts have increasingly raised alarms about the proliferation of medical misinformation online, particularly in women’s health areas like fertility, pregnancy, and reproductive health, where vulnerable individuals may be targeted with unproven treatments or dangerous advice.

By labeling health misinformation as violence against women, the SOGC is attempting to elevate the conversation around digital health literacy and highlight the urgent need for coordinated action across government, industry, and civil society to protect women’s access to accurate health information.