iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Chelsea Polis

Jocalyn Clark @jocalynclark.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Not too late to register for the launch event of the new @BMJ.com Collection on protecting global #SRHR ⏰Tue Sept 15 at 10am EST 🎯 Attend in-person in NYC on the side-lines of #UNGA81 or join the livestream sph.cuny.edu/event/the-bm...

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

As @garnethenderson.com reported, we have a paper under peer review right now regarding the percentage of people in the US using FABMs - it might surprise you. Greetings from Ghana, where I'm in a weeklong meeting about FABM use in W Africa (building on this work: ghspjournal.org/content/earl...).

ghspjournal.org

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

In case of interest, our full systematic review published in 2018 is available here: journals.lww.com/greenjournal... and we also summarized those data in this interactive infographic www.bmj.com/content/366/.... (Updated systematic review underway, as well.)

journals.lww.com

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Hi! It's a very common misconception that "fertility awareness-based methods" means the same thing as "rhythm method" - but it doesn't! This excerpt from my piece in @healthaffairs.bsky.social summarizes data on FABM effectiveness from our systematic review (www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore...).

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Garnet Henderson @garnethenderson.com · 03/09/2026

“The dismissiveness and condescension that some people report [from] providers when they are interested in learning more about these methods, or report that they're using these methods … really risks pushing people away and breaking or eroding trust in the medical system," @cbpolis.bsky.social said.

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Guttmacher @guttmacher.org · 12/08/2026

Using reversible contraception does not make it harder or impossible to get pregnant later, but misinformation is widespread. In a new commentary, Lorna Begg of the Population Council joins Guttmacher experts @onykepe.bsky.social & @cbpolis.bsky.social to break down the facts: gu.tt/4fCYy3z

White and yellow text introduces findings from a new commentary in the Studies in Family Planning journal: "Contraceptives help to protect, not hinder, long-term fertility. But misinformation is widespread. Get the facts." A violet gradient background features photos of different types of birth control methods

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Reposted by Chelsea Polis

Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 10/01/2026

🧵 In Health Affairs Forefront, I wrote about why fertility tracking must be grounded in evidence and reproductive justice - not co-opted by agendas that strip away other reproductive health care. www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore... Sharing a few key points in thread below 🤓

healthaffairs.org

Health Affairs Journal

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 17/07/2026

Helpful thread on the Trump explosive diarrhea outbreak.

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Reposted by Chelsea Polis

Guttmacher @guttmacher.org · 14/07/2026

Guttmacher joined thousands of researchers & organizations in opposing a Trump administration rule that would politicize the federal grant-making process & harm #ReproductiveHealth programs & research. We stand with those fighting for rigorous science over ideology. More: gu.tt/4vyc1yC

Navy blue and violet text on a light grey background with line details reads, “A new policy proposed by the Trump administration would use federal funding as a weapon against abortion and contraception access, gender-affirming care, and health equity.” Below, highlighted in yellow, navy blue text attributes the quote to Jonathan Wittenberg, Guttmacher President and CEO.

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

Wanted to send you a virtual hug. Your priorities are excellent ones. Hang in there. 💜

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Reposted by Chelsea Polis

Deborah Blum @deborahb.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

You may have seen an outbreak of news coverage regarding a multi-state outbreak cyclospora-related illnesses (hundreds of cases, in fact). The stories will tell you that we have no idea of the source. Why not? And what do we know? 1/10 (gift article)

nytimes.com

Clusters of Severe Stomach Illness Reported Across the U.S.

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Beth S Linas, PhD, MHS @bethlinas.bsky.social · 09/07/2026

“In July 2025, the CDC made tracking cyclospora optional, as part of scaling back its Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network. At the time, food safety experts worried that it could make it harder to identify and respond to outbreaks.”

nbcnews.com

Cyclosporiasis outbreaks: What to know about the foodborne illness and symptoms

The source of the illnesses is still unknown, but fresh produce is suspected.

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

All of us who want more and better contraceptive options must commit to raising our voices to demand funding for contraceptive research and development. Read more on what it takes: pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC... And thanks, @julialurie.bsky.social, for including me in your nuanced piece.

pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The new contraceptive revolution: developing innovative products outside of industry

A significant global unmet need for new contraceptive options for both women and men remains due to side effect profiles, medical concerns, and inconvenience of many currently available products. The ...

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

That is incredibly kind of you, @jessielosch.bsky.social - and I echo your appreciation of the nuance and care on this piece from @julialurie.bsky.social and the @motherjones.com piece.

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Some high-profile figures are currently spreading mis- and disinformation about contraception and fertility. BOO. 👎 We think addressing people's concerns with evidence, compassion, and nuance matters more than ever. We hope our commentary contributes towards that effort. Please give it a read!

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

2. Some contraceptive methods, including condoms & multipurpose prevention technologies (which are currently in development) can protect against STIs that lead to infertility. Read more about MPTs here: theimpt.org. They'd be public health GAME CHANGERS if they can be developed and made accessible.

theimpt.org

The Initiative for Multipurpose Prevention Technologies - The IMPT

The first and only global network dedicated to advancing products that simultaneously prevent HIV, other STIs and/or unintended pregnancy.

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

1. Contraception reduces recourse to unsafe abortion (which can lead to infertility), in contexts where safe abortion is not easily available. PS: Donors can see by *exactly* how much their investment in contraception reduces unsafe abortions here! www.guttmacher.org/fp-impact-ca...

guttmacher.org

Family Planning Investment Impact Calculator

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

So, why doesn't the SRH field highlight the ways in which contraceptive products can prevent some causes of infertility? Our piece mentions a few pathways.

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Safeguarding future fertility really matters to people! Seems obvious, perhaps? But the SRH field hasn't always elevated it to the extent we probably should. Scholars like Sarah Castle have documented the centrality of future fertility for young women in Mali onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/...

onlinelibrary.wiley.com

<em>Studies in Family Planning</em> | Population Council Journal | Wiley Online Library

During a qualitative evaluation of three peer-education programs in urban Mali, young people stated that they were wary of using either the pill or injectable contraceptives because they believed tha...

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Our piece lifts up Martha Brady's brilliant concept of "triple protection", which recognizes the importance of preventing unintended pregnancy and STIs AND the (less widely-acknowledged!) importance of safeguarding future fertility. www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1016/...

tandfonline.com

Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections and Unintended Pregnancy, and Safeguarding Fertility: Triple Protection Needs of Young Women

The problems and risks of unprotected sex, unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections are inextricably linked. In this context, the critical yet overlooked problem of infertility also...

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

We also observe that common contraceptive counseling frameworks used in LMICs (e.g., GATHER, BCS+, REDI, C4C, etc.) don't consistently address return to fertility after contraceptive discontinuation. This leaves providers without clear guidance, and clients without complete information.

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

...it's not the whole picture! After stopping some methods (esp. injectables) there can be short-term delays before ovulation resumes (read.dukeupress.edu/demography/a...). Waving off folks' concerns about impacts on fertility (without the above nuances) might undermine trust, not build it.

read.dukeupress.edu

The Relationship Between Contraceptive Method Use and Return of Fecundity Among Women Attempting Pregnancy in Low- and Middle-Income Countries | Demography | Duke University Press

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

We try to unpack some nuance around this concern. Reversible contraceptives do NOT cause permanent infertility. One-year pregnancy rates after stopping contraception are similar to rates in people who never used it (e.g., link.springer.com/article/10.1...). That's important and reassuring, AND...

link.springer.com

Return of fertility after discontinuation of contraception: a systematic review and meta-analysis - Contraception and Reproductive Medicine

Introduction Along with increasing availability and utilization of contraception, it is also important to confirm the effects of contraception use on resumption of fertility after discontinuation. How...

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

For me, this bee started buzzing after researching perceived infertility in US youth (onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10....), and later among folks in Ghana & Malawi, showing how often ppl believe that using contraception will make them permanently infertile (although studies don't support this).

onlinelibrary.wiley.com

Missed Conceptions or Misconceptions: Perceived Infertility Among Unmarried Young Adults In the United States

CONTEXT: Perceived infertility is an individual’s belief that she or he is unable to conceive or impregnate, regardless of whether this belief is medically accurate....

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

Check out this new commentary with Lorna Begg, @onykepe.bsky.social, and myself: "Impacts of Contraception on Future Fertility: Addressing Concerns to Improve Understanding." onlinelibrary.wiley.com/share/author... It's a topic that's been a bee in my bonnet for ~15 years! 🐝 🧵(w/refs!) below!

onlinelibrary.wiley.com

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Reposted by Chelsea Polis

Sense about Science @senseaboutsci.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Do you or someone you know work tirelessly to stand up for science? Then enter your nominations now for the 2026 John Maddox Prize, supported by @royalsociety.org Enter or nominate 👇 johnmaddoxprize.awardstage.com#!/p0

johnmaddoxprize.awardstage.com

The John Maddox Prize - AwardStage

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 14/06/2026

That’s Leh-Boy, from Liberia! Here’s his Instagram: www.instagram.com/straightz_ou... I ❤️ NYC and all those that bring joy to this city.

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Katie Mack @astrokatie.com · 29/05/2026

It’s truly astonishing to see how comprehensively the US government is tearing down every part of the system that has made it up until now a world-leading power in science, research, and technological development. The entire world will suffer from this wanton destruction.

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 22/05/2026

The best part about the scientific work I do and love is having the opportunity to collaborate with scientists from all around the world from whom I learn so much. This is so ridiculously stupid I can't even find the words. www.science.org/content/arti...

science.org

U.S. researchers face new restrictions on publishing with foreign collaborators

NIH, NASA grantees are confused and concerned amid agencies’ piecemeal communication

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Elizabeth Jacobs, PhD @elizabethjacobs.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

This is the horror cherry on top of the egregious fraud, waste, and abuse sundae. DOGE fired the people who send NIH money to research labs—which is a complicated process—so now even more labs are going to go under. All while Jay Bhattacharya goes on a podcast and says no NIH funding was cut.

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Guttmacher @guttmacher.org · 14/05/2026

SCOTUS has ruled to continue allowing telehealth, mailing and pharmacy provision of #mifepristone. @kellybaden.bsky.social explains why we're relieved, but not celebrating. Reach out to @ineedana.bsky.social or @plancpills.bsky.social for help getting care. youtube.com/shorts/XqFA-...

youtube.com

Kelly Baden on the SCOTUS decision to allow telehealth, mailing & pharmacy provision of mifepristone

YouTube video by Guttmacher

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Reposted by Chelsea Polis

Garnet Henderson @garnethenderson.com · 14/05/2026

BREAKING (again, sorry) the order is in: The Fifth Circuit's ruling is again blocked. Mifepristone remains available via telehealth. Alito and Thomas dissent. Thomas' dissent mentions the Comstock Act, the 1873 anti vice law conservatives want to use to ban mailing abortion pills.

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Sherrilyn Ifill @sifill.bsky.social · 09/05/2026

Black people are giving it these Confederates raw and uncut. This is how it’s gonna be now. You wonder what we’re thinking? It’s this. I believe this is activist Gary Chambers again in Louisiana.

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Sherrilyn Ifill @sifill.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Feeling overwhelmed with all of this. LISTEN. Another Louisiana resident (Marshawn is the only name we have) testifies against the state’s racial gerrymander, speaking truth to power up and down the hearing room and predicts how this story will end. Speak your truth, fight and believe.

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Hi - I don't seem able to DM you, but would love to chat about this bit above. This is a nuanced issue in several ways worth unpacking. Also, greatly appreciated that you linked in your piece to my Health Affairs piece on FABMs: www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore...

healthaffairs.org

Fertility Tracking Must Be Grounded In Evidence And Reproductive Justice | Health Affairs Forefront

It is essential to ground fertility awareness-based methods in a strong, person-centered evidence base, just the way we would with any other contraceptive option.

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Reposted by Chelsea Polis

Kevin M. Kruse @kevinmkruse.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

Mamdani has demonstrated something that Democrats have largely forgotten. You can't just do good things for voters and expect to be rewarded for it. You have to tell them about it, over and over again. You have to advertise your work in office just as much as you did on the campaign to win it.

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 10/05/2026

Dr. Yaver, I’m literally curled up in bed for Mother’s Day reading your amazing book. Thank you for writing it! 💐 Let’s chat about FABMs - a nuanced topic, especially these days. A few thoughts here: www.healthaffairs.org/content/fore... and here: www.reprosfightback.com/episodes-blo...

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Mark Joseph Stern @mjsdc.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

Terrific thread. I’ll just add: 1. I think there’s a good chance the Supreme Court will stay this decision, allowing providers to keep mailing mifepristone for the time being. 2. The Trump administration didn’t want this! Its plan was to wait until after the midterms to crack down on mifepristone.

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Chelsea Polis @cbpolis.bsky.social · 23/04/2026

It was a pleasure to join Teri Markow of the Critically Speaking podcast to discuss reproductive rights in the US, how fertility awareness-based methods fit into the picture, and the importance of evidence-based information, robust regulation for FemTech, and reproductive justice frameworks.

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Marisa Kabas @marisakabas.bsky.social · 14/04/2026

NEW—I got an exclusive excerpt from a USAID whistleblower's new book that made me gasp multiple times. It details Trump's dismantling of the humanitarian aid agency & his team/DOGE's shocking ignorance to public health. 'Into the Wood Chipper' by Nicholas Enrich is out tomorrow. Read excerpt here:

thehandbasket.co

Whistleblower says Trump officials thought USAID did 'just abortions,' asked for 'Barney-style' slides before gutting agency, per new book

Read an exclusive excerpt from Nicholas Enrich's "Into the Wood Chipper"

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Defend Public Health @defendpublichealth.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

We have spent over a year fighting back against this administration’s destructive policies, but that’s not enough. We are excited to announce our new platform for Public Health Week: The People's Health Platform! The 1st pillar: Guarantee Healthcare for All www.defendpublichealth.org/resource/peo...

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Peter Baker @peterbakernyt.bsky.social · 05/04/2026

After Trump took office last year, the US Holocaust Museum quietly removed educational material about American racism from its website and canceled a workshop on the "fragility of democracy," @iriesentner.bsky.social reports. www.politico.com/news/2026/04...

politico.com

‘Proactively fall in line:’ Holocaust Memorial Museum quietly changed content after Trump returned to office

Two former employees said they believed the museum was altering its content preemptively to avoid unwanted negative attention from the Trump administration.

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Nina Schwalbe, MPH, PhD @nschwalbe.bsky.social · 17/01/2026

I’m running for Congress in my home, New York’s 12th Congressional District, because the federal government is destroying the very systems that keep people safe. Our rights and guardrails of democracy are at risk. We need people who will deliver results. That's what I'll do: ninafornyc.com

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Anna Gifty @itsafronomics.blacksky.app · 02/04/2026

I can't believe Katherine Johnson used to do these sorts of calculations and simulations BY HAND. I'm flabbergasted.

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Indivisible ❌👑 @indivisible.org · 29/03/2026

Over eight million Americans took to the streets today, which makes No Kings 3 the biggest single day of protest in the history of our country. #NoKings

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Undark Magazine @undark.org · 23/03/2026

Federal agencies have been labeling some research "gold standard science" — a trend that accelerated after a May 2025 executive order. Researcher Jonathan P. Scaccia argues the branding distorts how evidence actually works.

f.mtr.cool

The Problem With Promoting ‘Gold Standard Science’

Opinion | Branding scientific research with a simplified label risks misleading the public and harming scientific literacy.

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Guttmacher @guttmacher.org · 26/03/2026

Fertility awareness-based methods (FABMs) are important options within the full spectrum of #ReproductiveHealth care. By grounding FABMs in evidence and reproductive justice, we can strengthen the fight to ensure access to care for all. Read more from @cbpolis.bsky.social: gu.tt/4aO6QDX

White text on violet gradient background reads, "Fertility tracking must be part of an evidence-driven vision of reproductive health care for all." Below is a photo of a fertility chart, pills and a thermometer.

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