Deadly abortion misinformation rings alarm bells for doctors, TikTok


Pro-choice activists disguised as characters from feminist dystopian novel 'The Handmaid's Tale', display green headscarves as they perform in front of the US ambassador's residence during the July 4th independence celebration, in Buenos Aires, on June 30, 2022. — AFP

TikTok and other social media platforms are attempting to clamp down on posts highlighting certain toxic herbs that some say might stop a pregnancy, as doctors sound the alarm over their potentially fatal effects for the person taking them.

The posts appear to be warnings on substances that pregnant people should avoid, while providing detailed information on how they could cause miscarriages when ingested. Medical professionals saw an uptick of such content after a draft Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade – a law that provided federal protection for abortion rights for five decades – was leaked in May, and even more after that decision was confirmed the following month. Rolling Stone reported that some hashtags and videos on TikTok especially have been viewed hundreds of thousands of times.

Limited time offer:
Just RM5 per month.

Monthly Plan

RM13.90/month
RM5/month

Billed as RM5/month for the 1st 6 months then RM13.90 thereafters.

Annual Plan

RM12.33/month

Billed as RM148.00/year

1 month

Free Trial

For new subscribers only


Cancel anytime. No ads. Auto-renewal. Unlimited access to the web and app. Personalised features. Members rewards.
Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!
   

Next In Tech News

Smartphone bans in schools boost children's social well-being: study
Microsoft's new Copilot AI can see what you see
Google brings more AI to search engine in ‘significant’ update
A 'Star Wars' game reborn: Be the bounty hunter you always wanted to
Review: ‘Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2’ leverages a dark sci-fi lore with layered gameplay
UK investment summit to feature Google, Wayve and Brookfield
Foxconn beats estimates with record third-quarter revenue on AI demand
Saudi Arabia's PIF mulls larger stake in Nintendo, Kyodo reports
Game on: Automakers expand video entertainment options in vehicles
Does it sound too good to be true? Here’s how to spot, avoid online marketing scams

Others Also Read