Protecting Your Rights Starts with Protecting Your Privacy

Abortion access is tough in some areas—stay informed and protect your privacy. Available in 6 languages!

The Digital Security Guide for Abortion Seekers

In recent years, there have been alarming instances where personal digital data has been used against individuals seeking reproductive healthcare. For example, police in Idaho used cell phone data to investigate a woman and her son accused of kidnapping. The data revealed they had taken her to Oregon, where abortion is legal, to access abortion care. Similarly, Google has supplied location data of individuals visiting reproductive health clinics, and certain period-tracking apps have been found to share user data with third parties, including advertisers and, in some cases, law enforcement.

The hard truth? Most people have no idea how vulnerable they are.

Instagram and Facebook collect 32 types of user data, including sensitive information like physical addresses and user IDs. Lifewire
67% of adults say they understand little to nothing about what companies are doing with their personal data, up from 59% in 2019. Pew Research Center

Your search history, private messages, and location data create a digital paper trail. In regions with restrictive abortion laws, this data could be the difference between privacy and prosecution.

That's why Cyber Collective has partnered with Women First Digital to develop the Digital Security Guide for Abortion Seekers—a free, comprehensive resource that guides you on staying safe online while accessing reproductive healthcare. Available in over six languages, this guide empowers individuals with essential digital security tips to protect their privacy when seeking abortion services.

How to Protect Yourself Online

Use Encrypted Messaging Apps: Avoid discussing sensitive topics on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter). Instead, use apps like Signal with disappearing messages enabled.
Secure Your Browsing: Use privacy-focused browsers like Tor, Firefox Focus, or DuckDuckGo, and consider a VPN to encrypt your internet activity.
Turn Off Location Tracking: Disable location services on your phone and avoid navigation apps that save your travel history.
Limit Data Collection: Opt out of targeted advertising, delete your mobile ad ID, and regularly clear your search history.
Be Cautious with Period-Tracking Apps: Choose apps that prioritize privacy or track your cycle offline.
Use Secure Payment Methods: If possible, use cash or prepaid cards for abortion-related expenses to avoid creating a financial record.

The Fight for Digital Privacy Is a Fight for Reproductive Rights

Abortion access isn't just a legal issue—it's a digital security issue. As governments and corporations continue to monitor and control personal data, protecting yourself online is more critical than ever.

📢 Download the guide. Share it. Ensure this information reaches those who need it most.

Available in 6 languages:

This manual was produced in collaboration by HowToUseAbortionPill and Cyber Collective.

HowToUseAbortionPill is an online community run by dedicated individuals who believe that everybody, regardless of where they live, should have access to a safe abortion option.

www.howtouseabortionpill.org/

Cyber Collective makes it easier for people to feel safer, secure and confident in their digital experiences NOW-so that we can have a better future. www.cybercollective.org/

Illustrations and graphic design by Ana Ibarra. www.behance.net/anafriedbanana

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