I thought that it goes without saying, but just in case: if you’re using a period tracking app, STOP.
With the overturning of Roe v Wade in 2022, the increasing restrictions facing state by state, and the likelihood that tr*mp will fulfill the far right goals outlined by Project 2025, things are not looking great for women in America. (A tip of the witch’s hat to Jessica Valenti of Abortion, Every Day for being a fabulous news source and resource in these times!) One tiny thing we can do to not make it easier for them to control our bodies? Stop using period tracking apps!
“…these apps track and collect a vast amount of sensitive data, including menstrual cycle data, pregnancy, sex life, and location, which can all be used to detect or infer abortions. Worse yet, these highly sensitive personal data are also excessively shared with third parties, such as advertisers and insurance companies. Other privacy concerns include lack of readable privacy policies in apps, unnecessarily long retention of data, and limited user control. Notably, these privacy concerns toward period-tracking apps are even aggravated in the post Roe v. Wade era, as law enforcement can now request fertility-related records from period-tracking app companies as evidence of crimes.” (source)
I understand the ease that our smartphones can offer, but personally, I don’t want it to function as an extension of my brain, with the constant pings! of reminders and notifications. Instead, I prefer a traditional paper datebook! In addition to being how I keep track of appointments, goals, my reading list, and more, I use it to keep track of my menstrual cycle. Not only does this keep my private data out of the hands of broligarchs, it helps me when I’m scheduling things in the future— knowing I often feel poorly the first day of my period, I’ll try not to schedule anything too taxing, etc.
Example? My own datebook showing today as the start of my cycle— ergo, time spent drinking raspberry leaf tea and writing this post!
In solidarity,
Kate
