Axios Event: Experts say polarization on abortion harms progress on women's health

NEW YORK – Despite a new wave of investment in women's health care, much of the national conversation about reproductive and maternal care is plagued by stigma and misunderstanding, industry leaders said.

• Axios senior policy reporter Caitlin Owens and health care reporter Maya Goldman moderated conversations with Oula CEO Adrianne Nickerson, activist and influencer Hannah Bronfman, Ajenda founder Dr. Jennifer Ashton, OBGYN Dr. Jessica Shepherd and New York State Assembly member Linda B. Rosenthal at the event. The event was sponsored by Addyi.

Why it matters: As issues around reproductive care become increasingly politicized, the conversation on women's health care isn't focused enough on addressing pervasive issues such as the high Black maternal mortality rate or women's lack of knowledge about menopause.

What they're saying: "A Black woman who has a college degree has a higher likelihood of poor outcomes than a white woman who hasn't even gotten a high school diploma, which means there's pervasive racism in our health care system, and it shows up in care," Nickerson said.

• Her pregnancy-care focused startup, Oula, delivers maternity care throughout all stages of pregnancy. Nickerson's company emphasizes patient feedback and postpartum support groups.

Bronfman says that the current national conversation about reproductive care has become highly politicized, noting she feels like "it's all fear-mongering."

• "I think that people are confused by the idea of reproductive care being basic health care. This is much bigger than abortion," she said.

Long-term societal stigmas that have led to fear or shame when discussing women's health have contributed to a lot of women not knowing enough about their bodies or what questions to ask providers, Dr. Shepherd said, noting that "the more knowledge that you have, then the better decisions that you can make."

• New treatment options are now available for women going through menopause, and Dr. Ashton emphasized the importance of taking a "holistic approach" to care during this stage.

What we're watching: How issues around reproductive care show up in the upcoming election and what policy impacts will follow.

• The role of the policymaker in women's health is "even more important than it ever was," Rosenthal said.
• "I think states right now have a massive obligation to protect women's health and women's rights," she said.

Sponsored content:

In a View From the Top sponsored segment, Sprout Pharmaceuticals founder and CEO Cindy Eckert spoke about the slow process of gaining approval for the first FDA-approved treatment option for low libido for women compared to similar treatments for men.

• "When Viagra was approved in 1998, it was deemed to meet such an important unmet medical need, a national emergency for erections, that it received rare fast-track status, and was reviewed and approved by the FDA within six months," Eckert said.
• "Addyi, which treats women's most common sexual dysfunction, took six years, [and] a very public debate," she continued.