Major technology platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Bing have come under fire for their inconsistent and opaque moderation of posts related to abortion services. Prominent telemedicine abortion service Hey Jane, nonprofit Mayday Health, and online seller of abortion pills Aid Access have all faced suspensions or flags without clear explanations, leading to frustration among women’s health advocates.
The Supreme Court’s decision to end the constitutional right to abortion in 2022 has seemingly prompted these platforms to be more aggressive in removing or suppressing posts about safe and legal procedures. However, the lack of transparency in their policies has made it difficult for users to understand why their accounts are being restricted.
Groups like Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America have also raised concerns about the suppression of pro-life speech on these platforms, highlighting the need for clear guidelines and accountability from tech giants. Amnesty International USA has called on these companies to outline and explain their rules around abortion-related content to ensure fair and consistent moderation.
In response to the challenges posed by these platforms, some women and organizations have resorted to using coded language or misspelling terms related to abortion in an effort to reach more people. However, this tactic can also make it harder for individuals to find accurate information and may contribute to the stigma surrounding the procedure.
Despite the mistakes made by TikTok, Instagram, and Bing in suspending or flagging accounts like Hey Jane, Mayday Health, and Aid Access, the companies have stated that they are committed to rectifying these errors. They maintain policies against advertising abortion services but allow posts and ads related to the topic.
Women’s health groups have expressed concerns that the platforms are suppressing the distribution of posts about abortion services, leading to a decrease in engagement and reach. The lack of clarity on how these platforms handle abortion-related content has further fueled frustration among advocates and content creators.
The issues surrounding the moderation of abortion-related content extend beyond social media platforms to search engines like Bing, which erroneously flagged the website for Aid Access as unsafe. Despite efforts by organizations like Aid Access to comply with regulations and provide safe access to abortion pills, they continue to face challenges from both tech companies and state officials seeking to restrict their services.
As the debate over abortion rights and access continues to unfold, organizations like Aid Access remain steadfast in their mission to provide essential healthcare services, despite the obstacles presented by big tech companies and government regulations. Dr. Rebecca Gomperts, the founder of Aid Access, emphasized the ongoing challenges faced by these organizations in navigating the complex landscape of online platforms and search engines.
