Self Managed: An Abortion Story

Susan Yanow, a longtime reproductive rights activist, defines “self managed abortion” and what it means to feel safe and supported. This episode offers insight into global organizing efforts for SMA access. Susan addresses some of the challenges of online activism and making information accessible and safe for those who are looking for it.

A person shares their story about self managing. This episode offers insight into the feelings, fears and dreams that arose for one person as they experienced self managing. Anonymous invites us into the experience of what it feels like to share one’s abortion story and redefines what it means to be a “responsible person.”

Beverly Winikoff, a professor and public health expert, walks us through the advent of the abortion pill, RU486 and how the pills move across the globe. This episode gives listeners an inside scoop on what happened behind laboratory doors upon discovering the abortion pill, RU486.

Farah Diaz-Tello, a reproductive justice lawyer, describes the legal landscape of SMA and the history of criminalizing pregnant people in the US. This episode offers an origin story for the criminalization of abortion, and an overview of some of the legal risks that arise within it. Farah invites us into the thicket of legal restrictions on self-managed abortion, explaining how states and prosecutors have gotten creative in punishing pregnant people for ending their pregnancies on their own terms.

Molly Dutton-Kenny, a full spectrum midwife, discusses home abortions and the persecution of midwives and community providers across history. Molly grows our conception of “safety” and invites us into the world of using plant medicines for abortion care and fertility support. She shares personal stories about her experiences with self-managed care.

A member of the all-volunteer doula collective, Mountain Access Brigade, organizes to support abortion seekers in a state tied with the higest number of registered hate groups. In this episode, we learn how digital abortion doulas are bringing the GynePunk movement to Appalachia. “Katie” addresses questions about online surveillance, autonomy, and inclusivity for folx who are especially affected by over-policing and a lack of access to comprehensive care.

Adrienne Crawford, a nurse midwife, shares what it's like to provide medication abortions on the front lines of COVID-19. In this episode, Adrienne invites us into the ways midwives can support people who want medication abortions, and how the pandemic is impacting pregnancy decision-making and reinforcing disparities in reproductive health.

We Testify abortion storytellers, Renee Bracey-Sherman and Beth Vial, share a blueprint for how to destigmatize abortion. This episode offers insight into the power of sharing abortion stories. Renee and Beth articulate some of the reasons why abortion storytellers remain silent, and discuss why building radical love and community for people who have had abortions matters.