Emily Song

In a chilling new trend, tragic medical outcomes like stillbirths and miscarriages are increasingly becoming criminal cases, with devastating consequences for patients. This is fueled by more than just new laws; it’s powered by a troubling mix of legal loopholes and digital surveillance. We’re seeing prosecutors use personal data—from Google searches to period-tracking app logs—as evidence, often purchased directly from data brokers without a warrant.

Millions of women in the United States face pregnancy without access to even the most basic maternal health services. Maternity care deserts are defined as counties with no hospitals offering obstetric services, no birth centers, and no practicing obstetricians, gynecologists, or certified nurse midwives. Impacted areas have grown into a silent public health emergency in the United States.

On May 27th, 2025, the Missouri Supreme Court ordered Judge Zhang to vacate her injunctions against the abortion ban, citing that the judge had applied the wrong legal standards, which in turn led to the reinstatement of the abortion ban. It is worth noting that the Missouri Supreme Court did not rule directly on abortion access.