Home > The Scene

Florida high school athletes required to release menstrual information

The athletes' reproductive data is now stored by a third-party tracker, causing widespread concern

florida xcountry 2022 Photo by: Florida Gators

On Tuesday, the Florida Times-Union reported that Florida high school athletics officials are requiring female athletes to report their menstruation history. While releasing some medical information to school officials has been a requirement for participating in cross country, track and other high school athletics for years, documenting menstrual history is new and has many health professionals, journalists, athletes and parents concerned for students’ privacy in the wake of recent legislation criminalizing abortion in many parts of the US.

Questions on the standard form athletes must fill out include when they got their first period, how many weeks pass between their periods, and when they had their last one. The information is reported on athletes’ annual physical forms, which they are required to fill out with a physician and turn in to their school’s athletic director.

Florida medical forms

In Palm Beach County this year, nearly all athlete registration forms were moved online, meaning the athletes’ reproductive data is now stored by a third-party tracker, a software company launched in September 2021 named Aktivate.

Pediatricians have spoken out, concerned that sensitive medical information is stored with the school district and that coaches can see it. These concerns, shared by many parents and athletes, have been escalated by the increasing threat to medical privacy online, and the recent criminalization of abortion in many states.

 
 
 
View this post on Instagram

Human rights and healthcare advocates are concerned that women’s menstrual history may be used against them within the legal system should they choose to terminate a pregnancy. While abortion is legal in Florida, it is restricted, meaning abortions are banned after 15 weeks and six days of pregnancy, and the state does not allow exceptions in cases of rape or incest.

 

Check out the latest buyer's guide:

The best trainers in Canada under $150

We curated the best performance trainers under $150 to meet your 2024 running goals, while staying on budget