Content note: This episode discusses complications of pregnancy, including pregnancy loss and maternal death.

Amy and Margaret sit down with journalist and author Irin Carmon to discuss her new book, UNBEARABLE: Five Women and the Perils of Pregnancy in America. Through research and deep reporting, Carmon exposes the complicated reality of being pregnant in today's America. Whether a pregnancy is wanted or unwanted, Carmon reveals how bias, systemic failures, secrecy and shame, and our changing policies have had profound effects on that experience and on maternal health.

They discuss:

The historical roots of reproductive medicine

Why women across every belief system are affected by criminalization, neglect, and medical bias

The myth of the “perfect pregnancy” and how silence around childbirth harms all mothers

The complicated consequences of abortion bans and restrictions on reproductive health care

Why maternal care should center respect of women’s autonomy, dignity, and humanity

Carmon offers not just critique, but hope, showing how individual courage and systemic change can coexist.

Here's where you can find Irin:

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