Are social media giants silencing women’s health?
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Time to read 3 min
We’re a small, independent business creating all-natural, topical products to support women through key life milestones. However, because we openly talk about women's health, Google has recently blocked our profile and flagged our rigorously tested products as “illegal drugs” despite being UK and EU CPSR (Cosmetic Product Safety Report) certified for distribution. We’ve been silenced, and it seems we’re not alone.
As we advocate for better access to information and conversations surrounding women’s health, we’ve witnessed a worrying trend where major social media platforms censor content on crucial topics. And, unfortunately, this is not just our experience.
Censorship of women's health topics
A growing number of femtech companies - businesses focused on technology-driven solutions for women's health - are accusing platforms like Meta (Facebook and Instagram), LinkedIn, Google, and Amazon of systemic bias against women's health content. These platforms have repeatedly blocked or removed posts about menopause, endometriosis, infertility, and other important issues related to women’s health.
"We can’t improve women’s health if we can’t talk about our bodies using anatomically correct language."
The reasons? Vague, inconsistent policies that label medically accurate, expert-led content as “adult content” or “political.” What’s worse, these platforms allow ads for treatments related to erectile dysfunction but censor ads and posts related to women's health.
Clear evidence of bias against women's healthcare
- A company producing lubricants for women experiencing painful sex had its educational posts about endometriosis and postnatal recovery removed from LinkedIn for allegedly promoting “illegal products and services.”
- A breastfeeding support app had Instagram ads restricted simply for showing a baby breastfeeding. The word “nipple” was also banned in its educational content.
- Meta allows ads for erectile dysfunction treatments but blocked a product designed to boost women’s libido under its policy banning “sexual pleasure or enhancement.”
- Bea Fertility, a company selling at-home fertility testing kits, was prevented from posting product guides on Amazon because they contained the word “vagina”—while the word “semen” was permitted.
Image credit: CensHERship
The fight for fair treatment and transparency
This issue has led six UK and European femtech companies to call for an investigation into these platforms under the Digital Services Act. Their aim? To shed light on the bias and encourage a more transparent, fairer approach to content moderation.
Campaigns like CensHERship are gaining momentum, pointing out multiple examples where medically accurate and educational content has been flagged, blocked, or removed. These cases are both frustrating and concerning for businesses trying to provide vital health information to women.
Women's health ads which have been rejected vs acceptable male health ads
An ad by Hanx for women's libido was rejected by Meta
Whereas this ad promoting erectile dysfunction was approved
The importance of open convesations around women's health
The CensHERship campaign is about more than just gaining fair access to ads. It’s about advocating for transparency and fighting the stigma surrounding women’s health. When we can’t talk openly about our bodies using anatomically correct language, it severely limits our ability to address and improve women’s health.
The solution seems simple: a demand for clear, non-discriminatory advertising guidelines that allow for open discussions about women's health, rather than silencing them.
Cristina Ljungberg, co-founder of The Case For Her, explained, “When femtech companies face digital suppression and censorship, they struggle to reach customers, limiting their ability to advertise and generate revenue. This not only restricts women’s access to health products and services but also discourages investment in women’s health research and innovation.”
Where do big tech companies stand?
As these issues gain attention, the pressure is building for these platforms to be held accountable. Women’s health advocates are calling for an end to the silencing of critical discussions and more transparency in how health content is moderated.
We’re still battling to find answers and get our profile ban lifted from Google, but we’re being met with vague responses and silence. Rest assured, we will continue to fight for fair treatment and to keep advocating for open, honest conversations around women’s health!
What do you think?
Should social media platforms revise their policies to ensure fair treatment of women’s health content? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear from you!
The Author: Clare Farah
Clare Farah is a passionate women's health advocate and speaker dedicated to breaking taboos and driving change in the sector. As the founder of This is Me, she champions sustainable solutions, education, and empowerment to bridge the gap in women’s healthcare.