Disinformation, or falsehoods and rumors spread with the intention of causing harm, is a tactic used by the radical right to erode our democracy and fundamental rights. Here’s how anti-choice groups use disinformation to chip away at reproductive freedom in communities of color.
The Radical Right tries to use their aggressive opposition to abortion as a shield to deflect criticism. If they can convince the public that their political ideology is an article of faith, it’s harder to challenge. They’re then free to ignore issues of systemic inequality and to actively disempower the people who need access to abortion care.
For decades, the anti-choice movement has perpetuated disinformation that “abortion is black genocide.” When they make this false claim, anti-choice activists are implicitly blaming and shaming Black women who seek abortion care. Black women already disproportionately bear the brunt of threats to reproductive freedom — the last thing they need is someone shaming their choices.
The anti-choice movement also supports the work by the GOP to disenfranchise Black voters. In the days after every major media outlet declared President Joe Biden the victor of the 2020 presidential election, Republicans cast doubt on the results. These claims are partisan lies that harm U.S. democracy and motivated right-wing insurrectionists to attack the Capitol.
By attacking high voter turnout, particularly in Black communities, despite no evidence, the anti-choice movement has once again illustrated its disdain for the democratic process. Read more in The Anti-Choice Movement’s Embrace of Authoritarianism and NARAL Exposes Anti-Choice Extremists at the U.S. Capitol Attack with Six-Figure Digital Ad Campaign.
If you want to learn more about how disinformation affects communities of color, here are the experts to follow:
