Hi friends – last week I re-introduced the My Body, My Data Act to codify meaningful privacy protections for reproductive and sexual health data.
If you use a period tracking app (like I do), or know someone who does – that data is *not* protected by HIPAA. And since Roe was overturned, law enforcement agencies can actually use that personal data – along with things like search engine history and location tracking data from your phone – to investigate and prosecute people for having abortions (or even miscarriages!) that are illegal under state law.
That’s truly terrifying, and it’s not okay with me.
The good news is we can do something about it. My legislation would make it illegal for companies to collect or retain information beyond what they actually need, or to sell or share any of your data. Plus, it would allow you to ask for your data to be deleted at any time, and to sue any company you think is misusing your data in any way.
We desperately need comprehensive data privacy legislation in this country so our laws can keep up with our technology – and right now, as our reproductive freedoms are being attacked left and right, making sure private reproductive and sexual health data is kept private should be a top priority.
If you agree, I hope you’ll sign on to show your support for this important data privacy legislation today.
