In this week's episode of Speak Shame, Dr Connie hosts Jessy Rosales, an impassioned advocate for reproductive justice who began their journey in 2016. Jessy discusses their efforts in organizing communities and leveraging media to support reproductive justice legislation, notably leading to the passage of Senate Bill 24, which mandates abortion services in California university medical systems. Jessy shares their personal struggles with their identity and a powerful testimony of their own experience seeking an abortion as a student, which underscores the systemic barriers even in progressive states like California. Despite these challenges, Jessy's activism has continued to impact state and national policies. Listeners are encouraged to empathize, reflect on the sources of their own shame, and find strength in community. The episode wraps up with Dr Connie discussing the pivotal role of Jessy's mother in shaping their resilient spirit.

00:00 Introduction to Jessy Rosales

02:44 Jessy's Early Life and Identity

07:15 Discovering Reproductive Justice

12:19 Personal Abortion Experience

18:26 Advocacy and Organizing

28:23 Empathy and Overcoming Shame

40:22 Final Thoughts and Inspirations

JESSY ROSALES

·      Website: WeTestify.org

·      Instagram: @WeTestify

UK BASED SUPPORT SERVICES

·      British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS)

·      National Health Service (NHS) Abortion Support

GET IN TOUCH

·      Join the community:

o   @DrConnieKerali on Instagram

o   Attend my FREE Shame Resilience workshop

o   Empowered By Our Stories is an uplifting, supportive membership space for Remarkable Women who are ready to release shame, reclaim their voices, and rediscover their worth. Join the waitlist to become a Founding Member.