# Meta's Moderation Fails: Reproductive Health Information Censored on Facebook and Instagram Access to accurate information about reproductive and maternal health is crucial. However, on **Meta**'s platforms, simply discussing prescription medication, abortion care, or personal medical experiences can trigger content removals and account restrictions. This issue recently prompted the **EFF** to submit a public comment to the **Meta Oversight Board** regarding a case involving an **Instagram** post about prescription drugs during pregnancy and childbirth. This follows a broader investigation by the **EFF** into censorship of reproductive health information, which found **Meta**'s moderation systems routinely fail to differentiate between prohibited drug transactions and legitimate healthcare discussions. Through its **Stop Censoring Abortion** project, the **EFF** collected nearly 100 submissions from healthcare providers, clinics, educators, advocates, and researchers whose reproductive health content was removed or suppressed. The findings were alarming: systemic over-enforcement, confusing policies, arbitrary takedowns, sudden account bans, de-ranking, and ineffective appeals processes. ## Talking About Medication Isn't the Same as Selling It In almost every case reviewed, the censored posts and accounts did not violate the platforms' stated rules. **Meta** frequently cited its **Restricted Goods and Services policy**, which prohibits attempts to buy, sell, trade, or request pharmaceutical drugs. However, the **EFF**'s documented content overwhelmingly consisted of factual or educational information, not attempts to sell or distribute drugs. The consequences have been significant. For example, the **Miscarriage+Abortion Hotline** had its **Instagram** account restricted and posts removed despite providing information on legally obtaining medication. Similarly, **Red River Women's Clinic** and the **RISE** reproductive health research center at **Emory University** had accounts locked after posting about **mifepristone**. Other users reported content being quietly de-ranked or “shadowbanned,” limiting its reach without meaningful notice or recourse. The **EFF** argues that educational content and personal experiences related to reproductive healthcare and medication should not be suppressed. When **Meta** makes erroneous decisions, the appeals process often fails. Several cases documented by the **EFF** saw accounts restored only after journalists highlighted the problem or an internal **Meta** contact intervened. A moderation system should not require insider connections to reverse an incorrect decision. ## Meta Can—and Must—Do Better In its submission, the **EFF** calls on **Meta** to implement five key changes, reiterating recommendations made last year: 1. **Publish Clear Policies:** **Meta** must provide clear, understandable policies so users know what content is permitted. 2. **Consistent Enforcement:** Rules must be enforced consistently and fairly across all platforms. 3. **Meaningful Explanations:** Users need clear explanations for enforcement decisions, including the specific rule violated and how to appeal. 4. **Functional Appeals System:** A robust appeals system that doesn't rely on insider access is essential. 5. **Expand Human Review:** Reproductive healthcare is a nuanced topic that automated moderation systems struggle with. Human moderators should play a greater role in reviewing flagged sensitive healthcare information and political expression. **Meta** has stated its commitment to allowing discussions of reproductive healthcare, including abortion, on its platforms. However, this commitment is undermined if moderation systems prevent people from accessing or sharing vital information. At a time when reproductive rights face global challenges, restricting access to essential healthcare information can have profound consequences, particularly for those already facing barriers to care. Users deserve a system where rules are not applied arbitrarily, appeals are effective, and vital health information is not silenced due to automated system failures. **Meta** has a responsibility to improve its moderation practices.