Why Period Tracking Has Become a Controversial Topic After the Roe v. Wade Reversal

Essential Insights

Why Is Period Tracking So Controversial in a Post-Roe v. Wade World?

Experts caution that reproductive surveillance could be weaponized against individuals, yet tracking menstrual cycles has become increasingly important for preventing unintended pregnancies, particularly as access to reproductive choices is being limited.

Since the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, concerns regarding bodily autonomy have intensified. Many individuals have swiftly deleted their period-tracking applications to protect their fertility data. But where does that leave us? With numerous apps now available, the last few years have made it easier for those who menstruate to either conceive or avoid pregnancy. However, the landscape has become quite complex. While experts caution against relying on these apps, tracking periods has become essential for those navigating a post-Roe U.S., where safe and legal abortions have been restricted in many regions.

Before the Roe v. Wade ruling was overturned on June 24, tracking menstrual cycles was often seen as a basic, even mundane task. All that was needed was to log into your preferred app when your period began. In return, algorithms would predict your fertile window, identify when you were least likely to conceive, and inform you of when to expect your next period. Some apps even prompted you to take a pregnancy test when necessary, while others aided in recognizing your body’s signs of ovulation. It felt almost magical and likely had a significant impact on the calendar industry.

What Are Experts Saying About Deleting Period-Tracking Apps?

The concern now revolves around reproductive surveillance. Storing personal data could potentially be leveraged by lawmakers. How long until someone finds themselves accused of a crime related to an abortion, simply because they failed to log their period correctly? This may sound extreme, but it’s a scenario that privacy experts are increasingly worried about.

“It’s startling to think that in certain states, using a period app could implicate you in legal issues,” says Ava Thompson, a former privacy officer at the Department of Health and Human Services. “If abortion is criminalized, your tracked data could be used to build a case against you.”

Some period-tracking applications, like Clue, have assured users that they would not disclose health data to authorities. “We have a primary legal duty under European law not to share any private health data,” they state. “We will inform our users if authorities attempt to access their health data.”

Why Continue to Track Your Period?

The fundamental reason for tracking your menstrual cycle is to assist in both conception and pregnancy prevention. Many individuals instinctively recognize the signs of an impending period—cramps, mood swings, etc.—but understanding your ovulation cycle may require more attention. Whether you’re trying to conceive or avoid pregnancy, tracking your cycle can be a valuable tool, especially when paired with contraceptives.

Having a visual timeline of your menstrual cycle can be beneficial, particularly if you find yourself in a state where abortion access is limited. Even in states where it remains legal, there may be restrictions on “late-term” abortions or “heartbeat” laws. If you notice that your period is late, you’ll have time to take a test and potentially seek an abortion in your own state rather than traveling to another location.

How to Track Your Period Without an App

Know Your Cycle Length: If you decide to delete your app, gather any data you can about your cycle first. If your period length varies, your app likely has a good estimate.
Use a Paper Calendar: Mark the first day of your period on a calendar. If your cycle is typically 30 days, you can anticipate the start of your next period by counting forward.
Track Ovulation: Most individuals ovulate about 14 days before their next period. Mark this date on your calendar and allow for a “fertile window” of several days around this time.
Purchase Ovulation Tests: These tests function like pregnancy tests but detect different hormonal changes.
Monitor Body Temperature: Taking your basal body temperature each morning can help identify ovulation.
Observe Discharge: Understanding the changes in your vaginal discharge can provide additional insights into your ovulation cycle.

Although tracking your period is helpful, remember that birth control and condoms remain the most reliable means of preventing pregnancy. Still, not everyone has access to birth control, and condoms can fail. Taking multiple steps to avoid pregnancy can improve your chances of not conceiving if you’re not looking to start a family.

Additionally, monitoring your energy levels and appetite during your cycle can help you prepare for any cravings or fatigue that may arise. This awareness can allow you to better plan your days.

For more information on pregnancy and home insemination, you can visit CDC’s resource page, while Make a Mom provides excellent insights into fertility boosting and home insemination kits.

Search Queries

Summary

In the wake of the Roe v. Wade reversal, the significance of period tracking has escalated. While experts caution against using tracking apps due to potential legal repercussions, the practice remains vital for those seeking to understand their bodies better and navigate a landscape where reproductive rights are increasingly threatened. Whether you choose to track your cycle through apps or traditional methods, being informed about your menstrual health is more crucial than ever.