Reproductive Left

Join Cat and Aspen for the final installment of their three-part adventure in exploring gender.

Join Cat and Aspen for part two of a three-part adventure in exploring gender! In this episode, the pair focuses on gender roles in our culture. Our host Aspen could talk about gender all day, the final episode in the series will be released in May.

Join Cat and Aspen for a three-part adventure in exploring gender! In this episode, the pair focuses on a few identity labels and language questions. Our host Aspen could talk about gender all day, and this conversation spread across three episodes is just the tip of the iceberg.

Image: Photo by Sharon McCutcheon on Unsplash

In this episode, Cat and Aspen talk about the successes and shortcomings of the body positivity movement, how the fat acceptance movement has always been led by Black women, and some of the historical influences on diet culture and fatphobia in our society today. Do you know what the eugenics movement and the BMI have in common? Join us to find out and dip your toes into the huge topic that is body positivity!

Photo by AllGo - An App For Plus Size People on Unsplash

Theme music by: WinkingFox

On this episode, we make a big announcement regarding the future of Reproductive Left and air a mix-up of past interviews. This gives you a taste of what you can find in the Reproductive Left archives.

On this episode, we talk with Regina Rooney, the education and communication director at the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence. Regina discusses the role of the coalition in the state of Maine and describes the work of their membership organizations. We explore topics like domestic violence within LGBTQ communities, how partner abuse can look different in teen relationships and reproductive coercion.

We wrap up the episode with our "Ask Mabel" segment where we are hearing women's stories regarding their own experiences with birth control. On this show, Terry talks about using the birth control method fertility awareness.

In this episode, we are discussing the #metoo movement from the perspective of healing. With us is Gail Foss, RN and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor, we talk about how she helps women and men heal after experiencing sexual violence. In the interview, Gail opens up about her own experience and tells us a little bit about what needs to be done to change our culture so this doesn't continue to happen.

In the "Ask Mabel" segment we learn about the Mirena IUD.

On January 18, 2018, we had the privilege of hosting Jamila Perritt MD MPH FACOG for our annual Roe v. Wade celebration. She spoke about her experience as an abortion provider, shared her story along with stories of the women she takes care of and highlighted why reproductive justice is what we all need to be working towards.

Jamila Perritt MD MPH FACOG is a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist who specializes in Family Planning and Reproductive Health. Dr. Perritt is a graduate of Howard University College of Medicine and completed her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. She completed a Family Planning Fellowship at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. During her fellowship training, Dr. Perritt received a Masters Degree in Public Health from The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. After completion of her fellowship, she returned to her hometown of Washington, DC where she served as the Medical Director at Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington DC, Inc. from 2011-2016.

Dr. Perritt works as a clinical provider in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. Additionally, she serves as a reproductive health care consultant where she develops, organizes and facilitates health education workshops and outreach events to diverse communities and community partners on topics including but not limited to HIV/STI treatment and prevention, reproductive justice and access to care, adolescent health, contraception and family planning. She collaborates with various organizations to provide ongoing support and subject matter expertise on sexual and reproductive health, family planning and reproductive justice.

As we begin this new year, we thought it was important to host an episode that focuses on two topics that are central to women's equality and reproductive justice: paid leave and childcare. Joining us for this episode is Kathy Kilrain del Rio the director of program and development at the Maine Women's Lobby.

We've changed things up in our "Ask Mabel" segment. This year, we are focusing our "Ask Mabel" segment on birth control. On each episode, we will hear from the true expert themselves, women who use birth control. Following their story, our nurse practitioners will answer questions about that specific birth control method. On this episode, Casey explains why she uses birth control pills and Terry Marley-DeRosier, WHNP answers common questions about the method.

Just over a year ago, we interviewed the executive director of the Maine Women's Lobby, Eliza Townsend, about why the federal courts matter and how they impact our daily lives. She highlighted the power a president holds in regards to their nominations and the impact of their appointments. A lot has changed since November 2016 and on this episode, we invited Eliza Townsend back to give us an update on "Why the Courts Matter." To learn more you can visit: www.mainewomen.org/mwl.

In our "Ask Mabel" segment, Nurse Practitioner, Lindsey Piper gives us an overview of all the birth control options and we announce an exciting addition to our podcast starting next year.