EPA Explored Abortion Pill Spying Under Trump
The New York Times reports that under Trump, the EPA considered using wastewater to detect abortion pill use. This wasn't some benign public health mapping; it was a transparent attempt to surveil and criminalize reproductive healthcare access. Recall the global 'gag rule' (Mexico City Policy) Trump reinstated, blocking funds to NGOs providing abortion services abroad, and his administration's
consistent assault on Title X family planning. This wastewater proposal (reportedly stalled by career staff) is simply another data point in a chilling, consistent pattern of weaponizing government agencies against bodily autonomy, echoing Red Scare environmental 'monitoring.' Instead of addressing actual environmental crises or ensuring clean drinking water, the EPA – under ostensible leadership
– apparently had time to fantasize about policing uteruses via the sewer system. One might wonder if similar wastewater efforts were considered for detecting opioid use in states with strict drug laws, or perhaps documenting corporate polluters. (Spoiler: they weren't.) The priorities are clear: control women, not pollution. What a resounding endorsement of 'limited government.'