From back pain to building plans to bodily autonomy, artist and activist Viva Ruíz believes all things were created with the intention of being embraced as necessary parts of life. So we wanted to show her some more love by giving her a little extra time to explain why abortion shouldn't be swept under society's rug.

Viva Ruíz, whose work has been featured in festivals and art spaces across the U.S. and Europe, uses their artwork to fight for reproductive healthcare access and freedom. In 2015, they founded the "Thank God for Abortion" initiative, which employs various means such as t-shirt designs, art installations, rallies, and parties to destigmatize abortion and normalize it as a necessary part of healthcare. If you're not familiar with their work, they received a Creative Capital Artistic Activism Award in 2022. Check out this amazing picture of them dressed as the Pope, standing outside the Vatican with a giant sign that reads "Thank God for Abortion."

Follow Viva @chocolatinaruiz on Instagram

Follow @thankgodforabortion

"Indecent with Kiki Andersen" is a production of Next Chapter Podcasts.

Hosted by Kiki Andersen

Produced by Pete Musto & Max Wolfson

Executive produced by Jeremiah Tittle

Follow the show at @indecentkiki on Instagram and follow Kiki at @itskikiandersen

Email us at [email protected]