Chapter Nine: Metamorphosis

In our season finale, we pass the microphone to U.S. Congresswoman Cori Bush (D-MO) and reproductive justice activist, abortion storyteller and writer Renee Bracey-Sherman for a heartfelt discussion about the stories we tell, believe and redefine about our bodies and abortions. The two discuss their own abortion experiences, the moments in pop culture that shaped their understandings of pregnancy, what local abortion wins (shoutout Missouri!) mean for the future of care and so much more. This episode also features abortion doula, community organizer and reproductive justice consultant Ash Williams, who narrates an excerpt from WHOLE, a narrative for abortion freedom.For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow @natalstories on Twitter and Instagram.Learn more about:Congresswoman Cori Bush and her abortion testimony before CongressRenee Bracey-Sherman and her book Liberating AbortionAsh WilliamsWHOLESpecial thanks to Erica M. Freeman from Sisters in Loss, as well as Sarah Idrissu and Marina Chafa.Use code NATAL15 for 15% off all baby quilts and home goods at baby-yams.com 

We pass the microphone to Jenice Fountain, executive director of the Yellowhammer Fund, and midwife Tanya Smith-Johnnson, executive director of Birth Future Foundation. From mutual aid to midwifery, they discuss their organizing work, the power of relationship building, and why the Deep South is forever their North Star.For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow @natalstories on Twitter and InstagramLearn more about Jenice FountainLearn more about Tanya Smith-JohnsonLearn more about WHOLESpecial thanks to Marz Lovejoy at the Black Homebirth InitiativeLearn more about Tatyana Ali, and use code NATAL15 for 15% off at baby-yams.com

Season Three continues with new episodes next week. In the meantime, let us know what you think about Parts One and Two. Head to our IG @natalstories, or email us [email protected] transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Use code NATAL15 for 15% off at baby-yams.com

We pass the microphone to physician-activist Dr. Jamila Perritt and movement lawyer Yveka Pierre for a dialogue spanning the post-Dobbs criminalization of abortion patients and providers, period tracking apps and digital footprint protections and new imaginings of privacy and care.For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow @natalstories on Twitter and Instagram. Learn more about Dr. Jamila PerrittLearn more Yveka Pierre Special thanks to Arneta Rogers at the Center on Reproductive Rights and Justice.Use code NATAL15 for 15% off at baby-yams.com

In our season premiere, we pass the microphone to two prolific reproductive justice organizers, Marie Leaner and Kwajelyn Jackson. With more than a combined 70+ years of fighting for abortion access, the pair sit down for lively conversation unpacking the rich legacy of Black women organizing for reproductive freedom before, during and beyond Roe.For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow @natalstories on Twitter and Instagram.Learn more about Marie LeanerLearn more about Kwajelyn JacksonWatch: The Janes (HBO) Use code NATAL15 for 15% off at baby-yams.comThis conversation was co-published and supported by the journalism non-profit the Economic Hardship Reporting Project.

NATAL returns Thursday, November 14.

We head home for a final good-bye to hear how Anasia, Ciara, Erick, Shayla and more are building new legacies exactly where they are.Featured guests: Crystal Starr Flowers, Katy Kozhamminil, PhD, DaLyah Jones and Tanya Smith-JohnsonFor transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

Alabama Birth Collective founding member, Nadia Gramby, on the sisterhood of birthwork.For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

The parents adjust to life postpartum and the powerful transformations they've undergone.Guest featured this episode: Crystal Starr FlowersFor transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter and Instagram.

The babies are coming. For more on birth plans, listen to our NPR Life Kit episode.For transcripts and more, visit natalstories.com. Follow NATAL on Twitter andInstagram.