Donald Trump’s victory in the US elections has led to a significant increase in interest in emergency contraception, abortifacients and gender affirmation drugs in the country.
One prominent example was Aid Access, a leading mail-order provider of abortion drugs. Within a few hours after the election results were announced, more than 5 thousand requests for medicines were recorded on his platform.
A similar situation is observed throughout the country. Thus, the telemedicine service Wisp reported a 300% increase in requests for emergency contraception, and the Plan C website, specializing in the search for abortion drugs, recorded a 625% increase in traffic.
“People are obviously trying to prepare for possible reproductive restrictions that may come with Trump,” said Plan C co-founder Elisa Wells.
According to the publication, anxiety among Americans concerns not only abortion drugs. For example, sales of emergency contraception through Wisp tripled, and requests for bulk packs of Plan B accounted for almost 90% of all orders. Winx reported that sales of Plan B increased sixfold compared to the previous seven days.
“Women understand what is happening and are taking steps to protect themselves,” said Winx co-founder Cynthia Plotch.
Despite rising concerns, all health workers interviewed by The Guardian stressed there is no need to panic. They assured that they will continue to provide the necessary services as long as it remains within the law.
“Politicians won’t be able to restrict access, and they won’t be able to stop our work,” added Elisa Wells.
By the way, after Trump’s election victory, Elon Musk’s transgender daughter, Vivienne Jenna Wilson, decided to leave the United States. She explained her decision by saying that, despite the absence of new restrictions for transgender people, the political situation and public support for Trump remain unacceptable to her.
Let’s remember that Cursor reported that Donald Trump’s victory in the US presidential election opens up the prospect of a new American policy in the Middle East, especially in the context of the current conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed Hamas movement. American and Israeli experts predict that Trump’s policies will be aimed at supporting Israel, leaving the democratically elected government in Tel Aviv free to decide its priorities in the war with Iran and its allies.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Reproductive Health Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome, everyone. Today, we have a crucial discussion lined up about the recent rise in interest for emergency contraception, abortifacients, and gender affirmation drugs following Donald Trump’s victory in the U.S. elections. Joining us is Dr. Emily Stanton, a reproductive health expert and co-founder of the women’s health initiative “Empower Choices.” Dr. Stanton, thank you for being here today.
Dr. Emily Stanton: Thank you for having me. It’s a timely and critical topic we’re facing.
Editor: Let’s dive into the core of the matter. After the election results, we saw dramatic spikes in demands for reproductive health services. For example, Aid Access reported a significant influx of requests for abortion drugs. What do you think is driving this increase?
Dr. Stanton: Absolutely. The spikes you mention can be largely attributed to fear and uncertainty. Many individuals are anticipating potential restrictions on reproductive rights under Trump’s administration. This anxiety has prompted people to seek out reproductive health resources proactively to ensure they have what they might need in a more restrictive environment.
Editor: That makes sense. As you mentioned, the numbers are staggering: Wisp reported a 300% increase in requests for emergency contraception, and Plan C saw a 625% increase in website traffic. How do you see this trend shaping the conversation around reproductive rights in the U.S.?
Dr. Stanton: This surge indicates that people are becoming increasingly aware of their reproductive rights and are engaging more actively with their health options. It also highlights a significant demand for accessible reproductive healthcare, particularly in a political climate that may threaten these rights. More people are taking control of their reproductive health decisions, fueled by a mix of urgency and apprehension.
Editor: Elisa Wells from Plan C pointed out that people are preparing for potential restrictions. In your view, what do you think the implications of this preparation might be for healthcare providers and policymakers?
Dr. Stanton: Providers may need to adapt quickly to meet the rising demand for these services. This could mean expanding telehealth options and ensuring that medications are accessible. For policymakers, this is an urgent call to recognize these implications and engage in meaningful conversations about protecting reproductive rights, rather than rolling them back.
Editor: It’s clear that this is not just about access to medication but also about the broader social and political environment. How important is education in these discussions?
Dr. Stanton: Education is paramount. Many people may not be fully informed about their reproductive health options or the implications of political changes. Comprehensive education can empower individuals to make informed choices about their health, fortifying them against potential legislative setbacks. Programs that focus on reproductive health literacy are essential.
Editor: Given the current landscape, what advice would you offer to individuals who are concerned about their reproductive rights and health?
Dr. Stanton: My advice would be to stay informed, reach out to trusted healthcare providers for guidance, and explore your options. Organizations like Aid Access and Plan C can provide crucial resources. Building a network of support with trusted friends and community members can also help navigate these complexities.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Stanton, for your insights. This is undoubtedly a crucial time for reproductive rights in America. We appreciate you sharing your expertise with us today.
Dr. Stanton: Thank you for facilitating this important conversation. Let’s continue to highlight these issues and advocate for informed choices and rights.