Data privacy after Dobbs: Is period tracking safe? • Stateline

Following the Dobbs V. Jackson Supreme Court decision, data privacy experts cautioned to take a closer look at menstrual cycle tracking apps.

Information logged into these apps, or tracked via wearable devices like a Fitbit or an Oura Ring, have the potential to be used in prosecuting those who seek abortions in states which criminalize it.

Dr. Danielle Kelvas , 34 , lives in Tennessee , where abortion is banned, with the exception of preventing death for the expectant person.

There haven't been any cases where a menstrual tracking app’s data has been subpoenaed yet.

Many companies leave themselves vulnerable to having to hand data over to prosecutors or courts.

Data that could be used to prosecute abortion cases could be more far-reaching than just what's logged in period tracking apps.

Users should also pay attention to how an app treats the data it gets.

Many Americans are waiting for a comprehensive, federal data privacy overhaul.

The American Privacy Rights Act was proposed in congress in May .

For now, those who wish to keep data related to their reproductive health safe, should be vigilant about the terms and conditions of the devices and platforms they use.