The first episode in our "Study Abroad" section of Abortion Academy features artist and activist Mar Lorenzo and activist/researcher/Lara Islinger. Mariana Lorenzo, aka Maremoto, is a textile designer and illustrator. Her art passionately advocates for women's rights, exploring themes of self-esteem, feminism, and LGBTQ advocacy. Lara Islinger is an an activist, researcher, and writer committed to decriminalizing, destigmatizing and demedicalizing abortion. Her work spotlights self-managed abortion and feminist grassroots networks providing alegal abortion care and accompaniment/doula support. Originally from Germany, Lara collaborates with organizations and collectives in Mexico and the US as they adapt to the fragmentized landscape of abortion access after the fall of Roe.

We talk with Mar and Lara about their backgrounds, how they became involved in abortion work, how art and artists can affect powerful change, and how they use their unique skills to help further global abortion access. We'll also talk about SYA's poster project with Mar Lorenzo and give you some ideas for using the poster in your own communities.

We are excited to be collaborating with Chicago for Abortion Rights, Lux Magazine, and NYC for Abortion Rights on this project. Please stay tuned for more iterations of the Study Abroad series!