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UltraViolet Submits Comments to Facebook’s Oversight Board on Abortion Cases

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, June 29, 2023
CONTACT: Madison Donzis | madison@unbendablemedia.com

UltraViolet Submits Comments to Facebook’s Oversight Board on Abortion Cases

Group Argues Abortion Cases Must Be Examined Through Gender Lens, Says Equating Abortion With Murder Should Be Banned on Platforms

Earlier today, UltraViolet, a leading national gender justice movement representing millions of people across the United States, submitted a public comment to Facebook’s Oversight Board, urging the body to ban abortion disinformation from Meta platforms including Facebook and Instagram as it reviews cases about abortion content. Specifically, UltraViolet called on the Oversight Board to evaluate these cases with specific docs on gender. 

The Facebook Oversight Board is reviewing three cases related to abortion and was seeking comments from subject matter experts. The three cases in question involve content removal decisions made by Meta, which reviewers later determined were in error. The cases revolve around posts discussing abortion and the use of words like kill or murder.

UltraViolet argues that by examining these cases through a gender lens, several key points are revealed, including:

  • Marginalized genders have historically faced discrimination, requiring the protection of their human rights. Meta must rectify past failures in addressing power dynamics and privilege.
  • The majority of Americans support the right to abortion.
  • Abortion is not uncommon: Nearly one in four women in America will have an abortion by age 45.
  • The Board should prioritize the needs of marginalized communities.
  • Case 1 highlights the need for posts that equate abortion with murder to be labeled hate speech. Labeling abortion as “murder” overlooks the systemic barriers and inequalities that affect marginalized communities’ access to comprehensive reproductive health care.
  • Cases 2 and 3 showcase state-endorsed gender-based violence and emphasize the need for inclusive discussions that differentiate between hate speech and violence and advocating against hate speech and violence.
  • Medical disinformation about abortion, especially medication abortion, poses a direct threat to life and demands urgent attention.
  • Ableist hate speech perpetuates harmful stereotypes and undermines efforts to combat mental health stigmas.
  • By addressing these issues. Meta can foster a welcoming platform that encourages debate without promoting gendered hate and violence

READ ULTRAVIOLET’S FULL SUBMISSION HERE: https://weareultraviolet.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/UV-Public-Comments-to-FB-Oversight-Board.pdf 

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