US may use app data to prosecute women

In the US, app data and other personal information obtained from smartphones may be used to prosecute women who have had an abortion.

Last week’s edition of Politico published draft decision of the US Supreme Court on the possible abolition of the constitutional right to abortion. If the document is accepted as it is, more than 20 states could ban abortion altogether.

If the decision of the Supreme Court comes into force, not only women who decide to have an abortion, but also medical workers are subject to criminal liability. Furthermore, even a text message offering help to a woman planning to have an abortion can be the basis for a criminal case.

In states with the most stringent restrictions, law enforcement can check smartphone search history, location, and correspondence. Also, to initiate a case can be used application data:

For example, in states where assisting women who decide to have an abortion is considered a crime, such as Texas and Oklahomadata from period tracking or pregnancy apps can be grounds for harassmentcontributing to the crime. For example, an aborted pregnancy may be indicated by a non-standard menstrual cycle (cessation and then a sharp resumption of menstruation) recorded by the application. These data serve as potential evidence of the guilt of the woman or her doctor.

Daniel Citron, professor of law at the University of Virginia for CNN

So, Missouri may pass a law allowing sue anyone who assists in abortion in one way or another, including out-of-state doctors; people offering transportation to the airport or posting information about abortion on websites. Other states may follow Missouri’s example.

Experts note that in reality, the law on the ban on abortions will not reduce the number of terminated pregnancies – instead, the proposed measure will increase the number of non-abortions.safe abortions. History shows that women who cannot legally have an abortion in a specialized institution with a qualified specialist will do it clandestinely, regardless of the danger.

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