Telehealth and Tele-Abortion: The Unlikely Guardian of Access in Restrictive States
Sanya Talwar August 2025
A New Wave of Access
In the years since Dobbs, abortion access has fractured sharply across the U.S., yet a surprising trend is emerging—medication abortions delivered via telehealth are rising sharply, even in states with outright bans. A recent study found abortion pill provision rates were over three times higher in states that ban abortionscompared with those without bans, and more than double in states banning telemedicine abortions altogether.[2]
Shield laws in states like New York and California are fueling this shift, protecting telehealth providers from prosecution when prescribing across state lines.[3] For many, this is the only viable option where clinics have closed.
Image by Freepik
The Power and Limits of Shield Laws
Shield laws work—recently, a New York court blocked Texas from punishing a doctor who prescribed abortion pills (mifepristone and misoprostol) to a Texas patient, reinforcing the strength of these protections.[3] But legal risks remain. Patients in banned states face higher costs, delays, and the possibility of targeted lawsuits.
Just last week, a Texas woman filed a federal wrongful death suit against Aid Access, a telemedicine abortion provider, and her ex-partner—alleging he drugged her with abortion pills without her consent. The suit cites Texas abortion law and the federal Comstock Act, raising new questions about whether telehealth abortion could be attacked through civil suits or revived federal statutes.[4]
Balancing Innovation and Equity
Telehealth and medication abortion represent a powerful tool for resilience, keeping access alive where it’s most at risk. Yet, inequality deepens—people in states where abortion is banned are more than twice as likely to receive care later in pregnancy, with greater financial and logistical burdens.[1] This burden falls disproportionately on low-income women and those with limited health literacy, who face higher risks of delayed care and complications. National data shows that women of color, particularly Black and Latina patients, are more likely to experience financial and travel-related barriers, exacerbating existing health disparities.
As legal battles intensify, the future of tele-abortion may hinge on stronger shield laws, continued innovation in care delivery, and recognition that reproductive health is inseparable from health equity itself.
[3] Nash, E., & Cross, L. (2023, December). Abortion shield laws: Protecting providers in hostile states. Guttmacher Institute. https://www.guttmacher.org/article/2023/12/abortion-shield-laws-protecting-providers-hostile-states
Out of Control: Why No One Talks About Post-Partum Rage
Brenda Cali August 2025
Most people imagine new motherhood with thoughts of cozy baby snuggles, lullabies, and maybe a few tears from sleepless nights. What’s rarely discussed, both in the medical world as well as in most social circles, is the overwhelming and explosive anger that can sneak up on you at random and very unexpectedly. While most new mothers are warned to look out for signs of postpartum depression or anxiety in those early days of motherhood, they are not usually warned about the raw and intense emotions that can feel like a volcano erupting inside. This experience is called postpartum rage, and despite how common it is, hardly anyone talks about it.
Image by Freepik
If you’ve ever found yourself screaming into a pillow, snapping at your partner over something small, or feeling a sense of uncontrollable anger after having a baby, you’re not alone.You’re not wrong or failing at motherhood, but could be experiencing postpartum rage, something that’s all too real and widely misunderstood.
Postpartum rage refers to intense and often irrational anger that occurs during the postpartum period, sometimes without any warning or clear triggers. This rage can happen in the blink of an eye. You may be shocked by the sudden outburst and left shaken and scared, wondering if it will happen again.¹²³
Common symptoms include:
Explosive outbursts or yelling
Violent thoughts or uncontrollable urges
Irritability that feels constant or overwhelming
Feelings of guilt or shame after an episode
A desire to isolate or withdraw
Physical outbursts such as throwing things
It is not an official diagnosis, but it is commonly a symptom of postpartum depression, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). According to reproductive psychiatrist Dr. Carly Snyder, “Postpartum rage is frequently a symptom of another underlying perinatal mood disorder.”⁴
What Causes It?
In many cases, this intense anger becomes the only outward symptom of the emotional overload new mothers often feel. Women are not just sad, they are quite literally enraged. There isn’t one single cause of postpartum rage but experts believe it stems from a complex mix of hormonal, emotional, and environmental factors. Partum Health Care’s article Postpartum Rage: What It Is, and How to Cope describes several causes, which can include:³
Hormonal changes: Estrogen and progesterone drop dramatically after birth, affecting mood regulation.
Sleep deprivation: Chronic exhaustion can erode emotional resilience.
Mental overload: New mothers are often burdened with the invisible labor of parenting, household management, and emotional caregiving.
Underlying mental health conditions: Rage is often connected to untreated or misdiagnosed postpartum depression or anxiety.
When Does It Occur and How Long Does It Last?
Postpartum rage can begin within days, weeks, or months after childbirth.² Some mothers experience it shortly after delivery while others may not notice symptoms until they’re back at work or going through a stressful change. It can last several months to over a year if left untreated.
Who Is at Risk?
According to McLean Hospital, while postpartum rage can affect anyone, certain risk factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing it.⁶
Some risk factors can include:
A history of mental health challenges
Lack of social support
Traumatic pregnancy or birth
Sleep deprivation
Financial stress
Inadequate healthcare
Further, McLean Hospital reports that postpartum depression and anxiety are also more common among Black women, with some estimates showing rates more than double those of white women.⁶
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), which include rage, affect 1 in 7 women after childbirth.⁷ In fact, as many as 6.5 to 20 percent of women will experience a postpartum depression more serious than the “baby blues,” indicating a much broader spectrum of maternal mental health struggles than is often acknowledged.⁸
Why Is It So Misunderstood and Misdiagnosed?
The medical system and society fail to recognize maternal anger as a valid emotional response. Because postpartum rage is not a stand-alone clinical diagnosis, many women are misdiagnosed or treated for bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, or simply brushed off as a shift or adjustment in hormones. Women are also dismissed and often told they’re simply just tired or overreacting. This dismissal only adds to the shame and silence surrounding the issue.
The Role of Stigma
There is a deeply ingrained cultural expectation that mothers should be patient, nurturing, and selfless. Anger doesn’t fit into this narrative. As a result, many mothers feel embarrassed or afraid to speak up.“Rage is not something society is comfortable seeing in mothers,” says Karen Kleiman, founder of The Postpartum Stress Center. “So they suffer quietly, feeling ashamed of a very human reaction.”⁵
When to Seek Help
If your anger feels out of control, is persistent, or harmful to yourself or others, it’s time to seek help.⁹ Here are a few signs it may be the right time to talk to a professional:
You’re having daily or frequent outbursts
Your anger is damaging your relationships
You feel guilt, shame, or regret regularly after reacting
You have thoughts of harming yourself or others
How Is It Treated?
The good news: postpartum rage is treatable and help is available. Common treatment options include:¹⁰
Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective first-line treatment for postpartum mood disorders, helping individuals identify triggers and develop practical strategies.
Medication: Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are commonly prescribed and can be effective in stabilizing mood.
Support groups: Peer groups—offered in-person or virtually—provide validation and solidarity.
Lifestyle changes: Prioritizing rest, nutrition, and reducing overwhelm can significantly improve outcomes.
But the most important step is recognizing that you are not alone, and this is not your fault.
Current Research and Where to Seek Help
Preliminary research emphasizes the protective role of social support—leaning on friends, family, and community can help alleviate feelings of emotional overwhelm.¹¹ If you’re feeling overwhelmed, here are trusted resources you can access right now:
Postpartum Support International (PSI): Offers a toll-free helpline (in English and Spanish), local resource referrals, peer support groups, and online communities.¹²
The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline: Provides free, confidential, 24/7 support in English and Spanish. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA to reach trained counselors.¹³
The Postpartum Resource Center of New York (PRCNY): Offers peer-led support, weekly virtual and in-person groups, and a statewide helpline (1-855-631-0001).¹⁴
Final Thoughts
The truth is that postpartum rage is more common than most people realize, and silence only makes it worse. It’s time we expand the conversation around maternal mental health to include all emotions, including anger. If this sounds like you, please know you are not crazy, and you are not a bad mother. You are navigating one of the most intense transitions a human being can experience. The good news is you don’t have to navigate this alone, and help is available.
References
1. Cleveland Clinic. “Postpartum Rage: Symptoms, Causes, and Management.” Last modified February 28, 2023. Accessed August 27, 2025.
4. Snyder, Carly. “Postpartum Rage Is a Real Symptom of Mood Disorders.” Healthline. Last modified 2020. https://www.healthline.com/health/postpartum-rage.
5. Kleiman, Karen. The Art of Holding in Therapy: An Essential Intervention for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety. New York: Routledge, 2017.
6. McLean Hospital. Beyond the Baby Blues: Addressing Postpartum Depression. Accessed August 27, 2025. https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/postpartum-depression.
7. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Perinatal or Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders. Accessed August 27, 2025.
12. Postpartum Support International (PSI). “Help for Moms.” Accessed August 30, 2025. https://postpartum.net.
13. Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA). “National Maternal Mental Health Hotline.” Accessed August 30, 2025.
https://mchb.hrsa.gov/programs-impact/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline. 14. Postpartum Resource Center of New York. “Support Groups and Helpline.” Accessed August 30, 2025. https://postpartumny.org.
The Impact of Social Media on Self-Esteem in Young Women
Kavya Kumar February 2025
Social media has become a significant part of young women’s lives, offering ways to connect, find community, and learn new things (like how to perfectly contour your nose using only a potato and some glitter — because, priorities). However, its widespread use also raises concerns about how it affects body image and self-esteem. The often unrealistic portrayals of beauty found on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X can contribute to negative self-perception and a distorted view of reality.
Idealized Images in the Media
One major issue is the constant exposure to idealized images. These images are edited, filtered, and enhanced to present an illusion of perfection. This can cause young women to constantly compare themselves with what they see online, leading to feelings of incompetence and dissatisfaction with their own appearance.[1] These feelings are significant risk factors for eating disorders, depression, and anxiety.[2] Essentially, scrolling on your cell phone can lead to some serious “ugh” moments, as well as the sudden urge to throw your phone across the room in frustration — resist the urge!
The Pressure to Perform (and the Never-Ending Quest for Likes)
The performative nature of social media can make things even worse. People often carefully craft their online personas, leading to the false impression that everyone — except you — is perfect. This can pressure users to maintain an impeccable image, causing unnecessary anxiety and stress. Constantly seeking likes, comments, and followers can become a way to seek validation, tying self-worth to external approval and validation.[3] It’s like a never-ending popularity contest, and the prize is…well, more likes. Which, let’s be honest, doesn’tpay the rent.
The Positive Side of Social Media
Admittedly, social media isn’t all bad. Some platforms offer supportive communities and promote positivity! In particular, movements that celebrate body diversity and challenge unrealistic beauty stereotypes can be really empowering. You can also use social media to find information and connect with like-minded individuals. The key is to be aware of the content you’re consuming without letting it consume you.
Learning to be Media-Savvy
Especially in this day and age, developing media literacy skills is crucial in order to navigate the digital world safely. Young women need to learn how to evaluate the images and messages they see online. This includes recognizing altered photos and understanding that social media usually shows a very selective view of reality. Learning to spot a bad Photoshop job is a valuable life skill, trust me.
It’s also important to develop a strong sense of self that doesn’t depend on what others think. The opinions of others really don’t matter because at the end of the day, you are beautiful just the way you are. Yes, you. You’re a masterpiece in progress, a unique blend of awesome, and no filter or validation-seeking behavior can change that.
Now, if you want to follow a specific diet or do an intense workout, go for it! But, and this is a huge but, only do it because you want to. Not because of some influencer’s impeccable abs or what your friends are doing. Do it because it makes you feel good and it makes you happy, and not because you’re trying to fit into someone else’s mold. Every decision we make for ourselves should come from a place of self-care, guided by what truly drives us and brings joy to our lives.
Sometimes, the best “like” is the warmth of the sun on your skin, the feel of the wind running through your hair, or simply checking something off your to-do list. Take a break from your phone, go outside, and rediscover the world around you — a beautiful, unfiltered, and unPhotoshopped experience awaits.
References
[1] Prichard, I., Tiggemann, M., & Slater, A. (2012). The effects of viewing ultra-thin media images on women’s body image, mood, and self-esteem. Body Image, 9(1), 87–96.
[2] Smolak, L., & Levine, M. P. (1996). A cognitive-developmental model of the development of body image and eating disorders. Eating Disorders, 4(3), 165–180.
[3] Hunt, J., Marx, R., Lipson, C., & Young, J. (2018). No More FOMO: Reducing Social Media Envy Through Awareness. Computers in Human Behavior, 79, 265–272.
Representation in Cosmetics: Exploring the Cosmetic Industry’s Impact on Women’s Self-Acceptance
Kashish Patel February 2025
Beauty standards have always influenced the way women perceive themselves. During the Renaissance, beautiful women were portrayed to have soft curves and pale skin. This idealistic image of the beauty standard was represented through portraits and literature, exhibiting what “beauty” is supposed to look like. In modern day, the constant exposure to social media and advertisements has only reinforced beauty ideals, influencing women’s self-perception and mental health. While persisting beauty standards seem to define beauty, studies suggest that no absolute definition of beauty exists.[1] The standards of beauty are described to be determined through the socialization processes and media influences that define what is considered attractive.
Image by Freepik
Teenagers
Studies have found that the lack of representation for natural features have resulted in the standard for beauty to be extremely narrow for women and teen girls. This lack of visibility has had detrimental effects; teen girls faced an increase in low self-esteem leading to mental health and body image issues. According to a study in 2003, eating disorders among teen girls have only increased over 50 years with 1% to 5% of adolescents possessing traits for bulimia nervosa. The analysis of this data concluded the effects of mass media and preexisting body image issues.[2] Teenagers are especially vulnerable to the influences of the cosmetic industry as during this time of their life, they struggle to navigate self-identity while constantly being surrounded by the beauty standard portrayed on social media.
Women of Color
Women of color have long been pushed aside by the cosmetic industry. Historically, the beauty standard has prioritized Eurocentric ideals while failing to provide proper representation for diverse skin tones, facial features, and hair types.
In a recent scandal, the makeup brand Youthforia is facing major backlash. The company first faced backlash in 2023 when it released 15 new shades of foundation that were not inclusive of all skin tones. Despite releasing 10 new shades of foundation to combat this backlash, there was an even bigger uproar. Influencer Golloria George who often reviews beauty brands’ darkest shades posted a video on Youthforia’s shade 600, the darkest shade in the line which was pure black and was hard to differentiate from black paint. [3]
In an interview with TIME, Golloria shared her thoughts on the entire situation stating, “It was a really weird, surreal, out-of-this-world experience.”
This controversy sheds light on the amount of beauty brands which cater to lighter skin tones and Anglo-Saxon features in general. This blatant disregard for diverse skin tones, especially for women of color makes many women feel unrepresented and unnoticed.
The Response from Beauty Brands
The lack of inclusivity not only fosters insecurities within these groups of women, but recent controversies suggest that the beauty industry remains narrow-minded in assisting all consumers. However, in response to the consumer demand and social activism, many brands have started to make the change by expanding shade color ranges and embracing diverse advertising. Dove, a popular cosmetic company recognized the issues with diversity in their brand.[2] They implemented a movement to include more diversity into advertisements and modeling which received positive feedback from consumers and also raised the company’s revenue by billions.
References
[1]Madan, S., Basu, S., & Ai Ching Lim, E. (2018). Impact of culture on the pursuit of beauty: Evidence from five countries – Shilpa Madan, Shankha Basu, Sharon Ng, Elison Ai Ching Lim, 2018. Retrieved from https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1069031X18805493
[2] Castillo Castro, K. (2023). Dove: Shifting Standards and Ideal Self-Perception. The International Trade Journal, 38(1), 91–98. https://doi.org/10.1080/08853908.2023.2279223
[3] II, M. M. (2024). Why beauty brand youthforia is facing backlash. Retrieved from https://time.com/6972800/youthforia-dark-skin-foundation-backlash/
