Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that established a woman's right to an abortion in 1973, continues to be a highly controversial and divisive issue in American society. The media has played a critical role in shaping public discourse on this issue. The way Roe v. Wade is represented in the media can have a significant impact on the public's perception of abortion and, ultimately, women's rights to access safe and legal abortion services. Social media platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter have emerged as important spaces for discussions around reproductive rights, including the right to access abortion.
TikTok has become a platform where young people can share their opinions on various social issues, including reproductive
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She uses her platform to educate her followers about the harmful effects of abortion restrictions and encourages them to support reproductive rights organizations. Her videos have been viewed millions of times, indicating the significant impact social media can have in shaping public discourse on controversial issues.
However, TikTok is also used as a platform for anti-abortion activists to spread misinformation and propaganda. For example, a TikTok user named @hawtjesus creates videos that compare abortion to the Holocaust and encourages her followers to support anti-abortion organizations. Such content spreads fear and stigma around abortion, contributing to the marginalization of women who seek abortions and ultimately threatening their right to access safe and legal
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Anti-abortion activists and organizations also use Instagram to spread misinformation and shame those seeking abortion services. For example, the account @liveactionorg shares misleading information about abortion, claiming it is harmful to women's health and promoting the idea that abortion is murder. These false claims contribute to the stigma surrounding abortion and can impact women's ability to access safe and legal abortion services.
Twitter has also become a forum for discussions about Roe v. Wade and reproductive rights. Reproductive rights advocates use the platform to share information about reproductive healthcare, call attention to restrictions on abortion access, and advocate for policies that support women's reproductive rights. For example, the account @NARAL shares information about reproductive health and rights and advocates for pro-choice policies at the local, state, and national levels.
However, Twitter is also a platform for anti-abortion activists to spread misinformation and propaganda. For example, the account @LiveAction shares false information about abortion, including the debunked claim that abortion causes breast cancer. These false claims not only spread misinformation but can also contribute to the stigmatization of abortion and the marginalization of women who seek abortion