The recent actions of Instagram and Facebook in blocking, blurring, and removing posts from abortion pill providers have raised concerns among the providers and advocates. The social media platforms have suspended accounts and hidden content, citing violation of rules against the sale of pharmaceutical drugs without proper certification. Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, stated that the actions were not related to recent changes in speech policies but rather to enforcing existing rules. However, the timing of these incidents has led to questions about the company’s commitment to loosening speech restrictions.
Abortion pill providers, including Aid Access, Women Help Women, Just the Pill, and Hey Jane, have reported being affected by the recent actions. Some accounts were suspended, while others had posts blurred or hidden from search results. The providers argue that these actions prevent them from reaching people seeking vital information about reproductive health care, particularly since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Advocates like Lisa Femia from the Electronic Frontier Foundation have raised concerns about the increasing trend of social media platforms removing content related to reproductive health care, specifically abortion pills. They argue that this trend poses a threat to individuals seeking essential health care information online.
Providers of abortion pills have been using telehealth services to prescribe and mail the drugs to individuals in states with abortion bans. Despite the challenges they face on social media platforms, these providers continue to offer essential reproductive health care services to individuals in need.