In this unedited interview for Real Women’s Stories, Lisa Quait is joined by Deirdre O’Neill, co-founder of Hertility, to expose how women’s health conversations are being restricted, suppressed, and silenced online.
From banned terminology and platforms deciding that words like endometriosis, menopause, and hormones are “too explicit” or “too political”, this conversation unpacks how Big Tech is shaping - and limiting - what women are allowed to say about their own bodies.
Deirdre explains why women’s health content is treated differently to sexualised imagery, how misinformation and fear have replaced education, and the real-world consequences of censoring vital health information - from delayed diagnoses to women being dismissed, gaslit, and left without answers.
This is a raw discussion about power, control, and why understanding your hormones and reproductive health shouldn’t depend on what an algorithm allows.
If you’ve ever felt ignored by the healthcare system, confused by your symptoms, or frustrated by how hard it is to find clear, trustworthy information about women’s health - this episode is for you.
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Meta said, Meta’s terms and policies have always prohibited advertisers from sharing sensitive information, including health data, and we have measures in place designed to help prevent advertisers from sharing such information. These measures did not block these organisations from running ads; they limited the ability to share potentially sensitive information with Meta. Advertisers can request a review if they believe their data source category is not appropriate, and we are working directly with these organisations to provide further guidance.
Google said: We have long allowed ads for fertility treatments and services in most countries. To ensure advertisers don’t target people based on sensitive health information, including women’s health advertising, we do implement certain protections.
After being approached for comment, TikTok contacted Hertility to provide clarification on the policy, and the ads team reinstated four of Hertility’s videos following a review.
The Independant, November 2025
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