In a world where we rely on technology for information, it’s crucial to examine the influence and biases of search engines like Google. A year after Roe v. Wade’s overturning, it’s apparent that Google still directs those searching for “pregnancy” information predominantly to Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the nation. This discovery, highlighted one week before the 51st annual national March for Life in Washington, D.C., raises serious concerns about the objectivity and neutrality of the platform.
When comparing search results from Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo, it’s clear that Google’s algorithms favor Planned Parenthood. Google’s first result leads directly to Planned Parenthood’s landing page on pregnancy, whereas Bing and DuckDuckGo prioritize more neutral health websites like the Mayo Clinic and Healthline.com. This discrepancy in search results indicates a troubling trend: Google seems to be channeling users towards pro-abortion resources while undermining the visibility of crisis pregnancy centers and other pro-life options.
Planned Parenthood’s page, which Google prioritizes, includes an “informative” video on pregnancy and subtly leads users to explore abortion as a primary option. This is further evident in their warning about Crisis Pregnancy Centers, which they accuse of spreading misinformation and dissuading people from choosing abortion.
Google’s bias isn’t limited to its search engine. The tech giant, through its various platforms, has a history of suppressing pro-life voices. From censoring content by LifeSite News and EWTN Global Catholic programming to banning Live Action’s abortion pill reversal ads, Google’s actions suggest a clear stance on the abortion debate. Moreover, Google Maps’ recent failure to direct users to a Crisis Pregnancy Center in D.C., as reported by the Daily Signal, further underscores this point. Though Google reinstated the listing after it was brought to their attention, the incident leaves a lingering question about the neutrality of its services.
The issue extends to Google’s AI chatbot, Bard, which displayed a pro-abortion bias when discussing the Dobbs v. Jackson decision. Bard’s response failed to acknowledge the central pro-life argument that abortion ends a defenseless human life. Furthermore, Google’s internal policies, such as covering out-of-state abortion costs for its U.S. employees, indicate the company’s stance on this highly divisive issue.
In contrast, Bing did not include Planned Parenthood at all on the first page of search results. DuckDuckGo’s search results show Planned Parenthood lower on the page. These suggest a more balanced approach, offering users a wider range of perspectives.
It’s a matter of grave concern when a tech giant like Google appears to skew information in a way that aligns with a specific ideological stance, especially on an issue as contentious as abortion. As we navigate this digital age, the need for unbiased, comprehensive access to information becomes ever more critical. It’s essential for users to be aware of these biases and seek out multiple sources to form a well-rounded view, particularly on such significant social and moral issues.
