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- Should I Remove My Period Tracking App?
- The Concerns Around Reproductive Surveillance
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Experts weigh in on whether your data could be used against you. Written by Jamie Thompson
Updated: Feb. 20, 2024
Originally Published: May 5, 2022
In light of the alarming leak regarding a Supreme Court draft opinion suggesting the overturning of Roe v. Wade — a change that could enable states to impose abortion bans — many critical questions are emerging about the safety and confidentiality of abortion access, reproductive rights, and fair healthcare. One pressing question involves period tracking apps, which are marketed as easy, affordable tools for monitoring menstrual cycles, predicting ovulation, and sending reminders for contraception.
Since the introduction of Apple HealthKit in 2014, which lacked menstruation tracking, period tracking apps have amassed around 100 million users globally. As their usage has surged, concerns about privacy and data protection have arisen, particularly regarding whether app developers can legally share your personal information with third-party entities. If Roe v. Wade is overturned and you find yourself seeking an illegal abortion, could your personal health data be weaponized against you by law enforcement?
The short answer is… possibly, and it’s complicated.
The Risks of Reproductive Surveillance
In 2014, researcher Emily Carter noted the underlying themes of these apps, stating, “These apps primarily focus on monitoring women, making them more accountable and aware of their bodies for the sake of potential pregnancies.” Developers of these apps not only have access to sensitive reproductive health data, but they also typically share this information with advertisers, researchers, data brokers, and, in some cases, law enforcement. According to tech outlet Protocol, companies often comply with law enforcement requests for user data about 80 percent of the time.
“This information can be very personal,” observed Privacy Advocate Lisa Green in a 2016 interview. “The implications are significant; there are virtually no laws preventing the sale, sharing, or trading of this information for any purpose, whether for marketing or research.”
The Issue with Privacy Laws
Moreover, the data you voluntarily enter into these apps may not be protected under HIPAA, the federal law that safeguards personal health information from unauthorized disclosure. As reported by The Washington Post, many health-related apps, including period trackers, typically aren’t subjected to rigorous security assessments before being available for download.
Even without discussing sensitive topics with friends, your location data, search history, and any information entered into these apps might be vulnerable to digital monitoring and potential criminal charges. With the likelihood of abortion becoming illegal in many U.S. states, tech companies and app developers might soon assist states in investigating and penalizing individuals seeking or facilitating abortions. This means that if you are subpoenaed, your menstrual tracking data could potentially be handed over to authorities as evidence in a criminal investigation regarding pregnancy or pregnancy loss.
“It’s critical to be aware of these risks and to educate yourself now, rather than waiting until you’re in a crisis situation,” advised tech expert Maya Richards from the Digital Privacy Institute.
A Personal Decision
At this stage, it’s uncertain how stringent individual states’ abortion laws will become if Roe is overturned. However, with at least 22 states poised to implement varying degrees of abortion restrictions, it’s reasonable to feel apprehensive about your privacy and safety. In extreme cases, “even researching a clinic could be deemed illegal under certain state laws, or traveling to a clinic with the intention of obtaining an abortion might be prosecuted,” cautioned legal expert Tom Sullivan.
Before you delete any apps, it’s wise to review the terms of service and privacy policies associated with the apps you use, particularly health and period-tracking ones. You can enhance your privacy by disabling location services, search history, and chat functionalities. Some users, like tech journalist Alex Rogers, have shared detailed strategies for seeking safe abortion options, including utilizing burner phones and accessing abortion-related content only on public devices, in addition to deleting period tracking apps altogether.
If you choose to stop using a period tracking app, you can still monitor your cycle manually. Use a calendar to note the start and end dates of your period, and track any symptoms daily, which will help you anticipate changes and plan accordingly. Keeping track of your energy levels and appetite can also aid in managing your period more effectively.
For further insights on reproductive health, check out this informative resource on pregnancy and home insemination, and explore this related blog post for guidance on reproductive options.
Summary
As the landscape of reproductive rights evolves, the safety and privacy of period tracking apps come into question. While these apps can provide valuable insights into your health, they also pose risks regarding data sharing and privacy violations, especially in the context of potential legal repercussions surrounding abortion. Understanding the terms of service and the implications of using these apps is crucial for protecting your personal health information.
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