Abortion is such a controversial issue, most of us avoid discussing it for fear of ending up in an angry debate. Plus, few of us are open to changing our minds about abortion access, so what’s the point of talking about it with people who disagree? In this episode of the podcast, we’ll learn how to talk about abortion and why it’s crucial that we do, even if there’s no chance of finding common ground. We’ll explore the amazing story of The Abortion Talks – when, during a particularly violent period in Boston in the 1990s, three pro-choice leaders and three pro-life leaders began meeting in secret. Their dialogue on abortion rights continued for nearly six years. None of the women changed their views on abortion. But the conversations changed their lives and the tone of the abortion debate nationwide.

Image: Poster for The Abortion Talks documentary

Podcast Guests:

Barbara Thorp, social worker, participant in The Abortion Talks, former director of the Pro-Life Office for the Catholic Archdiocese of Boston

Melissa Kogut, participant in The Abortion Talks, former executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice of Massachusetts

Josh Sabey and Sarah Perkins, co-directors of The Abortion Talks documentary (UPDATE 6/26/24 the film is now called The Basement Talks and the extended six-part series is available on Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV)

John Sarrouf, dialogue facilitator and co-executive director of Essential Partners