PRCs use AI to help women; critics call this “science fiction horror”
Recently USA Today published the op-ed Terrifying chatbot is here to talk women out of abortions in which author Sara Pequeño warns that pregnancy centers are starting to use an AI chatbot called “Olive” in their work. Pequeño reminds us that tech companies behind these AI options are “controlled by humans with biases.”
But Pequeño’s own column is rife with biases, shown in phrases like “science fiction horror,” and “data breach nightmare.” Her writing gives more heat than light.
For example, Pequeño raises privacy concerns regarding AI chatbots, apparently unaware that Olive is a closed, encrypted system which follows strict federal standards for protecting medical information. Pregnancy centers only contact users if they explicitly request follow-up. Pequeño offers no evidence to the contrary.
Pequeño’s biases flatten women’s healthcare to one metric: helping people get abortions is good, and anything else is bad. She describes the “nefarious agenda” of pregnancy centers, discounting countless women who say these centers helped them. Even pro-choice academics have published peer-reviewed research explaining these centers fill important gaps in healthcare and community support.
Pregnancy centers provide tangible help—ultrasounds, diapers, baby clothes, parenting resources, and financial assistance—often to women who aren’t even considering abortion. The centers help them anyway, typically at low- or no-cost.
Abortion activists continue to be far more concerned that pregnancy centers don’t offer abortion than that abortion clinics don’t offer prenatal care. Biases, indeed.
If you appreciate our work and would like to help, one of the most effective ways to do so is to become a monthly donor. You can also give a one time donation here or volunteer with us here.
