Opinion: Real-world evidence must not become evidence for abortion-related prosecution
The Supreme Court’s decision to overturn federal protection for abortion changed in an instant how many people think about pregnancy. But it is also changing how health systems need to think about their current and future sharing and monetization efforts for real-world evidence.
While the commercial and research benefits of using real-world evidence have been well-described, the potential unintended consequences and privacy implications of using such data have received far less attention. The Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision necessitates a fundamental reexamination of the benefits and risks of health data markets, as data they contain could be used as evidence in the prosecution of patients and/or their health care providers in states where abortion is illegal.
