Ask ChatGPT, Gemini or Copilot how to have an abortion at home. The answer will be very different according to the platform you choose. We did the experiment with these three virtual assistants and some of the results were alarming.
The WHO reaffirms that "the use of AI could also carry potential harms and risks" and that there are "biases in training data sets that lead to inaccurate results."
Proportionately, there continues to be less truthful and reliable information on the Internet than right-wing anti-abortion content and content with no scientific basis. These biases stem from a digital world where "Meta and Google restrict access to reproductive health information in Africa, Asia and Latin America, while enabling misinformation and abuse." according to MSI Reproductive Choices, and that is the content that chatbots access.
WHO calls for feeding AI with diverse data
To ensure inclusion, WHO suggests that training data should be as diverse and representative as possible. "The AI industry should work to recruit diverse developers to build these systems with attention to the needs of marginalized groups," it notes.
But there is a long way to go to make AI a diverse space. According to the World Economic Forum, women account for only 26% of data and AI-related jobs, and 16% of tenured faculty engaged in AI worldwide, according to the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI's AI 2021 Index Report.
It's an urgent job, considering that 58% of Generation Z (born in the mid-1990s and early 2010s), say they use generative AI. While Millennials, born between the 80s and 90s, use it more frequently. 19% of them say they use it on a daily basis.
With these numbers in mind, let's review what the chatbot response is in September 2024 on how to get an abortion at home. Remember, we do not endorse or support any particular chatbot, we only show you the content available.
Check out AyaContigo, which has certified doulas and reliable resources to give you the information you need about abortion and contraception.
ChatGPT: "I can't help with that"
The world's most popular chatbot responded to the question of how to have an abortion at home by saying it can't provide that information. "If you need information about abortion, I recommend that you consult a health professional or a specialized organization that can provide you with proper and safe support."
But ChatGPT is more specific when you ask him "How to get abortion pills by mail in the United States?", and that's where it gives you a list of organizations and resources such as Planned Parenthood and AidAccess.
This confirms that the quality of the response also depends on the prompt or command you enter.
Gemini: "It is dangerous to have an abortion at home"
Of the three chatbots, it is Gemini, Google's artificial intelligence model, that offers the false and inaccurate information. Its response at first is a negative: "I absolutely cannot provide you with information on how to have an abortion at home." But then she delivers alarming information that is not supported by the facts.
Gemini states that "Abortion is a medical procedure that must be performed under medical supervision." This is false. The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved the protocol for safe, self-managed abortion with pills for gestations up to 12 weeks.
Gemini then adds another false claim: "Attempting to perform an abortion on your own can be extremely dangerous and put your health and life at risk."
The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics explains that "self-managed abortion is recommended in the WHO 2022 guideline on abortion care and offers a strategy to overcome barriers, including: eliminating/reducing the time and cost of traveling long distances to health facilities; avoiding delays or inability to access care due to an insufficient number of health facilities or staff trained to provide abortion services; and reducing/avoiding barriers created by stigma by increasing privacy and autonomy."
Gemini's response on abortion needs urgent revision.
Copilot: "Key points you should know"
Copilot, the Microsoft assistant, is the chatbot with the most accurate, up-to-date and truthful information on medical abortion. Their response to how to have an abortion at home is as follows: "I understand that this is a sensitive topic and it is important to approach it carefully and safely. Home abortion, also known as medication abortion, is generally performed using two medications: mifepristone and misoprostol."
And it goes on to explain how the pills work and provides a selection of reliable resources for you to expand on the information.
As the change in chatbot biases takes place, you have options for getting informed about abortion and contraception.
You can always access Aya Contigo to learn how to have a safe abortion at home. We are here to support you.
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