# @smeharbinger on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/CiswbKSJGep
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/22490804-smeharbinger-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/thumbnails/df7a58392e.jpg
- **Posted:** 2022-09-19T19:02:36.000+00:00
- **Account Owner:** The Harbinger (@SMEHarbinger) — https://gondola.cc/SMEHarbinger

## Caption

Then-eighth grader Kate Whitefield glanced down at her pregnancy test result — tossing the “negative” to the side.

Well, obviously.

She knew a positive result was impossible and thought it was unnecessary for her to be on birth control.

To her, it was simply a “formality” she had to follow to take Isotretinoin, better known as Accutane. Though, taking a pregnancy test at each dermatologist appointment is actually an iPledge requirement — a program used to prevent pregnancy in people taking Isotretinoin — even for those being sexually inactive. 

“I was 14,” Whitefield said. “I assure you, [pregnancy] was not a risk in any way, shape or form. But I still had to do all that stuff.”

As a 14 year old, she felt like she had no choice. The heavily researched skincare routine packed with dermatologist recommended cleansers and prescription-grade topical creams that she had been using two to three times a day since fifth grade was no longer effective. 

Accutane, a drug used to treat severe cystic acne — acne deeply rooted in the skin — seemed like the only option. 

To read the rest of Issue 2 spread click the link in the bio. 

#storybycarolinegould
#socialmediabypaigezadoo
#photobyrachelbingham

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## Tags

photobyrachelbingham, socialmediabypaigezadoo, storybycarolinegould

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