The Ethical Innovator: The advice column for femtech founders with Planned Parenthood

As we find ourselves at a crucial point in defining the future role of tech in women’s health, Femtech World has teamed up with Planned Parenthood’s national director of innovation, Ambreen Molitor, to answer the big questions that can help shape the sector for the better. Got a question for Ambreen? Email us at: [email protected] 

Words by Ambreen Molitor

Sitting squarely at the intersection of tech and reproductive care and rights, I often get asked questions about what we all, as investors, enthusiasts, and makers in this space, can do to keep femtech innovative, relevant, and, most importantly, ethical.

This is especially true now, as we’re on the precipice of AI and tech. Our choices today will define the future of GenAI and tech tomorrow.

That’s why, in collaboration with Femtech World’s editorial team, we’re proud to launch this monthly column, where we answer some of your most pressing questions from our perspective.

Starting off with the most critical question of all:

As someone working in digital health technology, what responsibilities and best practices should I focus on during this period of significant change?

The FemTech space is vast! And the needs, as we all know, are grand. To stay grounded on three foundational principles, I’d suggest we all:

• Find ways to respect the patient’s rights to their data and privacy.
  We know at Planned Parenthood data and privacy is top of mind for much of our community. Think twice before integrating with a third party (e.g., a payment system or social media for login). What access are you giving to other platforms about your users? Also, consider whether these features are necessary or if you’re doing them simply because of traditional standards already established by bad ethics. Sometimes, it’s our responsibility to set new standards and find more straightforward ways to decrease clicks without relying on other platforms to do the work.
• Work with a committee of diverse humans to eliminate bias if you’re considering incorporating GenAI into your product. (Who isn’t?!)
  Think about people from different backgrounds and the identities they bring to the table, like profession, race, gender spectrum, political affiliation, and religion especially, as it often comes into play with decision-making on sexual and reproductive rights.
•  Welcome men in.
  If reproductive rights are at stake for women, turn to men. Thinking outside of clear gender lines can bring male partners to solutions they might otherwise not be paying attention to, like their role in contraception and fertility. This might be an avenue for growth to double the market for your existing solutions, or a lens to approach new sexual and reproductive health innovations with a more inclusive and partner-focused strategy.

So, what are your thoughts? How can I help – one ethical technologist to another? 

Let us know if you have any other burning questions you’d like to ask Planned Parenthood’s Innovation team!

Ambreen

Got a question for Ambreen? Email: sarah@femtechworld.co.uk