Facebook removes abortion charity's page for 'encouraging drug use'
'Women on Web provides life-saving information to thousands of women worldwide,' according to its sister organisation Women on Waves
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Facebook has removed an international abortion charity’s page for “encouraging drug use”, according to its sister organisation, Women on Waves.
Women on Web provides abortion pills to women in countries where the procedure is illegal, and offers advice on how to administer safe DIY abortions where a pregnancy is not advanced beyond nine weeks.
Women on Waves, which performs abortions on a boat in international waters, posted a screenshot to its Facebook page which appears to show the removal of Women on Web for violating community guidelines.
In a message apparently sent from Facebook to Women on Web, administrators said: “We remove any promotion or encouragement of drug use.”
In a statement, Women on Web said: “Women on Web provides life-saving information to thousands of women worldwide.
“Its Facebook page publishes news, scientific information and the protocols of the World Health Organisation and Women on Web has answered over half a million emails with women who needed scientific, accurate information essential for their health and life.
“We expect Facebook will undue [sic] this action soon enough, as access to information is a human right.”
Women on Web receives more than 10,000 emails a month from women across the world who cannot access safe abortions.
The service is especially popular in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, where women are unable to access abortion apart from in extremely exceptional circumstances.
Demand for abortion pills has also recently soared among women in Latin American countries, after the outbreak of Zika virus led to fears about birth defects in children.
It is legal to receive abortion pills for personal use in most countries, according to Women on Web.
However, in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, it is illegal to induce a miscarriage, an offence punishable by up to 14 years in prison.
Women on Web's Facebook page was republished on Friday.
A spokesperson for the social media giant said: “Facebook is a place for people and organisations to campaign for the things that matter to them, and Women on Web is an example of that. In this instance, the account was disabled in error and has now been restored. We apologise for this and any inconvenience caused."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments