The Pink State

Season 3 of The Pink State focused on maternal and reproductive health care in the South post the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision in 2022. This third episode features University of Tennessee law professor Valarie Blake, who discusses Tennessee’s Medical Ethics Defense Act that passed in 2025. The MED Act allows health care practitioners to refuse to perform or pay for procedures or prescriptions, like abortions, sterilizations and contraceptives, that go against their morals or personal beliefs. She brings her experience and knowledge of reproductive health care to share how conscience laws like Tennessee's impact medical professionals and patients.

Credits:

Alliance Defending Freedom Youtube channel, “Alliance Defending Freedom: Protecting Your Rights Since 1994": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rECm7TsmcbM

Alliance Defending Freedom, “ADF attorney to testify on Dobbs decision at House Oversight Committee hearing Wednesday": https://adfmedia.org/press-release/adf-attorney-testify-dobbs-decision-house-oversight-committee-hearing-wednesday/

Brut, “A town hall in Jonesborough, Tennessee, a woman claimed her OB-GYN refused to provide prenatal care”: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2115067455656010

Music Pixabay License purchased. Licensor's user name: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://pixabay.com/users/lemonmusicstudio-14942887/⁠

NPR, Federal Judge Throws Out 'Conscience Rights' Rule For Health Care Workers: https://www.npr.org/2019/11/06/776968171/federal-judge-throws-out-conscience-rights-rule-for-health-care-workers

WKRN News 2, “Healthcare providers can deny procedures under new TN law”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtDp7oHQACs

WSMV4, “Tennessee among top 3 states for maternal care deserts, report finds”: https://www.wsmv.com/video/2026/08/17/tennessee-among-top-3-states-maternal-care-deserts-report-finds/

WVTM13, “The state of abortion access explained”: https://www.wvtm13.com/article/the-state-of-abortion-access-emtala-idaho-florida/60857174

Trigger warning: This episode mentions loss of life, child pregnancies, rape, and incest. Please move forward with care.

Season 3 of The Pink State focuses on maternal and reproductive health care in the South post the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision in 2022. This second episode features physician and Republican Senator Dr. Richard Briggs. He discusses his work in the Tennessee Senate pre- and post-Dobbs, including co-sponsoring the Tennessee Human Life Protection Act that banned all abortions in the state when Roe v. Wade was overturned. He also discusses the amendments he has worked on since to protect the lives of pregnant women, their fertility and doctors. He brings his knowledge and perspective as a physician to this conversation as someone who is pro-life and wants to help couples to bring children safely into this world. 

Credits:

ABC News, “Doctors suing Tennessee over the state’s abortion laws”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p02LJ7lAoCA&t=106s

Fox13, “TN doctors can still face criminal prosecution for performing emergency abortions”: https://www.fox13memphis.com/health/tn-doctors-can-still-face-criminal-prosecution-for-performing-emergency-abortions/article_9a6e4c7a-8da7-11ef-a356-0758ed753997.html

JN Learning, “Medical Indications for Abortion”: https://edhub.ama-assn.org/jn-learning/video-player/18733794

Music Pixabay License purchased. Licensor's user name: ⁠⁠⁠https://pixabay.com/users/lemonmusicstudio-14942887/⁠

NBC News, “Seven women sue Tennessee after being denied medical exemption under state’s abortion ban": ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUT7nibz1K8&t=47s⁠⁠

NBC News, “Tennessee court hears case on medical exception rules for abortions”: ⁠https://www.nbcnews.com/now/video/tennessee-court-hears-case-on-medical-exception-rules-for-abortions-208342597678⁠

WBIR Channel 10, “Doctor says she left TN due to abortion treatment restrictions”: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp3Oe2t6wmE⁠

WBIR, Channel 10, “Lawmakers vote on ‘Abortion Trigger’ bill”: ⁠https://www.wbir.com/video/news/politics/lawmakers-vote-on-abortion-trigger-bill/51-be0e034c-3797-4f9e-85e5-e93d54f8915f⁠

WBIR Channel 10, “No, Plan B morning-after pills did not get banned in Tennessee”: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAfMN6E52nE⁠⁠

WBIR Channel 10, “TN bill allowing abortion care for pregnancies resulting from rape and incest fails in subcommittee”: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PSV2IqKcZM⁠⁠

WSMV 4, “Trigger law would ban abortion in Tennessee if Supreme Court overturns rule”: ⁠https://www.wsmv.com/video/2022/05/04/trigger-law-would-ban-abortion-tennessee-if-supreme-court-overturns-rule/⁠

Season 3 of The Pink State is back! This season we will focus on maternal and reproductive  health care in the South after the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision in 2022. The ruling made by the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and gave power back to the states to legislate abortion. In each episode, you will hear a different perspective from those navigating the political landscape, including politicians, a lawyer specializing in women’s health care, an activist, and women directly impacted by abortion laws.

This first episode features Rachel Wells, an independent journalist and founder of the TN Repro News Substack. She shares her experience covering maternal health care over the past four years, what she has learned and her role as a journalist on educating the public about often complex legislation and the personal narratives of those involved. 

Credits:

Local 4, Click on Detroit, History in Detroit: Voters elect first woman mayor with decisive victory: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPWzoc0j59s

WGN, Radio Sherrill wins New Jersey Governor’s Race: https://wgnradio.com/video/sherrill-wins-new-jersey-governor%E2%80%99s-race/11232949/

CNN, Abigail Spanberger elected first female VA governor: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3McBP7lI7ow

WSMV, Tennessee Republicans and Democrats both select female gubernatorial in historic first: https://www.wsmv.com/2026/08/07/tennessee-republicans-democrats-both-select-female-gubernatorial-historic-first/

PBS News Hour, How Americans are responding to the Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade: https://www.pbs.org/newshour/show/how-americans-are-responding-to-the-supreme-court-ruling-overturning-roe-v-wade

PBS News Hour, What the Supreme Court ruling means for abortion access: https://www.pbs.org/video/abortion-access-1777927476/

Fox 10 Phoenix, Battle Ground Midterms, How reproductive rights messaging is shaping voters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubYUJ55UJsw

WSMV Youtube Short, Amendment to TN bill would allow death penalty for abortion: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/3YH-4yKfWtI

Bless this Mess HQ/Aftyn Behn shared by Tennessee Holler: https://www.facebook.com/reel/1185570733653356

Bloomberg Law, Beyond Abortion: The fight over fetal personhood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-9Evt6j8SQ

Music Pixabay License purchased. Licensor's user name: ⁠⁠https://pixabay.com/users/lemonmusicstudio-14942887/⁠

This is our final episode of the season, and we have the perfect end note because this politician spent her time fighting discrimination with love. This week, we sat down with Jennie Armstrong of Alaska. She is a House Representative, a mom, and identifies as pansexual. She made history when she was one of the first three out LGBTQ+ politicians elected in Alaska in 2022. While in office, she has fought against discriminatory policies, including passing an equality bill and fighting for the rights of trans girls to play sports.

We would like to thank each of you for listening to this season and our guests for taking time out of their busy schedule to have these conversations. From the Pink State to your state, we'll talk to you Fall 2025.

Sound Editor:

Jaxon Winters

Copyright Info:

1011 Now. (2023, Jan. 13). Alaska Supreme Court rules Armstrong eligible to serve in legislature. [Video]. https://www.1011now.com/video/2023/01/14/alaska-supreme-court-rules-armstrong-eligible-serve-legislature/ABC7 News Bay Area (2024, Oct. 17). SJSU becomes a target as Trump pledges to ban trans athletes. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGpGhN9frYg
Alaska's News Source (2023, March 20). Protest held against Gov. Dunleavy's 'Parental Rights' bill. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmNXj4q6b-c

Alaska's News Source (2024, May 11). Dozens of amendments debated, voted on as lawmakers discuss the future of transgender youth in sports. [Video].https://www.alaskasnewssource.com/video/2024/05/12/dozens-amendments-debated-voted-lawmakers-discuss-future-transgender-youth-sports/KTOO (2023, May 12). House Floor Session [Part 2 of 2]. [Video]. https://www.ktoo.org/video/gavel/house-floor-session-part-2-of-2-2024051179/?eventID=2024051179KTOO (2023, May 11). House Floor Session. [Video]. https://www.ktoo.org/video/gavel/house-floor-session-2024051151/?eventID=2024051151KTOO (2023, April 25). House Community & Regional Affairs Committee. [Video]. https://www.ktoo.org/video/gavel/house-community-regional-affairs-committee-2023041240/
San Francisco Chronicle. (2024, Oct. 27). Who is Brooke Slusser, the SJSU volleyball player trying to ban transgender women from sports? [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W599H1wnQBITheFrozenPlantGuy. (2023, March 21). Thanks to everyone for the advocacyand support elevating HB 99! Over 1000 letters/emails have been receivedand 38 out of 40 people testifying spoke in support! [Video]. https://www.tiktok.com/@thefrozenplantguy/video/7212875775853251886The Guardian. (2024, Nov. 6). How US news networks reacted to Donald Trump's election victory. [Video]. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/video/2024/nov/06/us-networks-react-donald-trump-election-victory-video

In honor of this week's episode falling on Election Day 2024 in the United States, we sat down with Rep. LaKeshia Myers of Wisconsin to talk about her experience as a Black woman in politics and get her take on what Kamala Harris has faced as a Black woman running for president. LaKeshia also discusses her experience as a school teacher and how that has helped her as a representative in Milwaukee with her constituents and fellow lawmakers and how she thinks it could help Tim Walz, if he becomes Vice President. 

Sound Editor:

Jaxon Winters

Copyright Info:

ABC News (2024, Aug. 21). Walz says 'never underestimate' a teacher during DNC speech. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0iEcfMUHD4

Mother Jones (2024, July 26). DEI: The Right's Main (and Very) Racist Attack on Kamala Harris. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6LZ2xnXj5no

Benjamin O'Hare (2013, Oct. 15). Maynard H. Jackson becomes the first black Mayor of Atlanta, Georgia. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajkv5AWMltY

Betches_news Instagram. (2024, Oct. 19). We spoke with Governor Tim Walz recently about why it’s so important that men speak out about reproductive rights, and ... [Video]. https://www.instagram.com/betches_news/reel/DBUHQC2RyGk/C-SPAN (1972, Jan. 15). 1972 Shirley Chrisholm Presidential Campaign Announcement. [Video]. https://www.c-span.org/video/?325324-2/1972-shirley-chisholm-presidential-campaign-announcementJohn F. Kennedy Library (John F. Kennedy's 1963 Televised Address to the Nation on Civil Rights). [Video] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58O2De-iPOk

SkyNews Australia (2024, July 2). ‘She’s weak’: Megyn Kelly blasts Kamala Harris. [Video]. https://youtube.com/shorts/lfj9o3BUZAc?si=V37fdPyn_ujxFuhjWBAY TV-2 (2023, Sept. 22). Fight over DEI funding in UW system continues. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yKJxmCWYWoMWKYC Channel 3 (2024, Nov. 1). Kamala Harris says Trump's comment on women 'is offensive to everybody'. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjalpN5XZOs

This week’s episode takes us to the Sunshine State post-hurricanes Helene and Milton, where we talked to Barbie Harden Hall. She is a Florida native who was raised in a Republican family and is running for the U.S. House of Representatives as a Democrat after the loss of her child to a rare, genetic disorder. She shares her story of transitioning into motherhood and politics.

Sound Editor:

Jaxon Winters

Copyright Info:

CNN. (2014, Sept. 28). Hillary: Grandmother in chief?. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h5myQ4wCplo

Forbes Breaking News. (2023, Feb. 9). Joe Biden Goes After Ron DeSantis For Blocking Expansion Of Medicaid Program In Florida. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7x2o6QzNIY

Indisputable with Dr. Rashad Richey. (2022, Oct. 3). Florida Republicans Vote AGAINST Aid For Hurricane-Battered State. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBqxHBFtrAM

NBC News. (2023, Feb. 21). Nightly News Broadcast. [Video]. https://www.nbcnews.com/nightly-news-netcast/video/nightly-news-full-broadcast-february-21st-204673093546NowThis Impact. (2024, Oct. 17). Throwback to Pete Buttigieg Shutting Down Abortion Question. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2IlTO-6uNus

PBS Newshour. (2024, Feb. 21). How an Alabama Supreme Court ruling that frozen embryos are children impacts IVF. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H5YmhAfzMEo

The Young Turks. (2024, Oct. 20). Ron DeSantis Threatens To Prosecute TV Stations. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BBCM_wfKQBI

WTVR CBS 6. (2024, Oct. 8). Tampa Mayor offers dire warning ahead of Milton: 'You're going to die'. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmMq3TYkdcM

Yes4Florida. (2024, Oct. 1). 📢 Our new ad, "Caroline," is airing across Florida starting today. Her story reminds us of what’s at stake under ... [Video]. https://www.instagram.com/yes4florida/reel/DAlLZ27IXYP

The fourth episode of the season features Jayme Davis. She is a House Representative for District 9 in North Dakota. She is making waves as the first Indigenous person to hold a leadership position in the North Dakota Legislature, where she is head of the Democratic Caucus Chair. In this episode she shares a moving professional triumph after a bill to make a Buffalo hunting gun the state gun and a personal story from her childhood where her mom inspired her acceptance of being who she is, then and now. 

Sound Editor:

Jaxon Winters

Copyright Info:

Forbes Breaking News (2024, Aug. 1). Native American Caucus Meets During Day Three Of The Democratic National Convention In Chicago. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCtJxtWvBQI

Indianz. (2024, Aug. 24). Deb Haaland at Democratic National Convention #NativeVote. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0V2VbK68r8 

Valley News Live. (2023, April 26). ND Legislature codifies the Indian Child Welfare Act. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0V2VbK68r8

WCCO - CBS Minnesota. (2024, Sept. 1). Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan on Tim Walz, IVF and more  [VIdeo]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACwxdnSizwc

This week’s episode features Nabeela Syed. She is an Indian American, Muslim, and hijab wearing-woman who made history in 2022 when she became the youngest woman elected to the Illinois House at 23 years old. She also flipped her district from red to blue. Nabeela talks to us about her run for office in 2022, including how she was told to wait to run until there was a district that looked more like her, and the work she has been doing for the past two years while in office to help her community and the state of Illinois. In addition, we learned she is a Taylor Swift fan, so we obviously asked her for her favorite song.

Sound Editor:

Jaxon Winters

Copyright Info:

CBS (2018, Dec. 3). The past and future of the Bush political dynasty [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_OdTl9Q5eA

CBS Evening News. (2020, July 14). Asked why Black Americans are killed by police, Trump responds, "So are White people." [Video].  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5sSj4ihXUw

CBS Evening News. (2020, Nov. 8). How Georgia Became a Swing State. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJxOzD1_o6U

CNN (2016, Feb. 26). Donald Trump says he will make Mexico pay for wall. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yfIxBjOw3o

CNN (2016, June 13). Trump again calls for ban on Muslim immigrants. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0q16V14cVs

CNN (2016, Nov. 9). Donald Trump elected president. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muhrghfODOg

Eyewitness News WTVO WQRF. (2023, June 4). Illinois bill aims to stop drug price gouging. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41Oii-k2Kk8

Fox 32 Chicago. (2022, Dec. 14). Nabeela Syed: First Muslim woman elected to Illinois General Assembly at age 23. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg0ZCfdF4WY

Herald Sun (2023, Feb. 8). US Medicare reform to allow negotiating drug prices with big pharma.

Jon Ossoff. (2020, April 21). Congressman John Lewis: "Friends, I’m calling on you to support Jon Ossoff." [Video]. https://www.facebook.com/jonossoff/videos/541100316600432/

Nabeela Syed. (2022, Sept. 20).  Hey there! 👋🏽 If I haven’t already knocked on your door, let me introduce myself. ...[Video]. https://www.instagram.com/tv/Ciu2lFXgZ_Z/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D

THV11 (2023, Jan. 10). Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders delivers inaugural speech. [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wRiYY6kkhq4

We are back in Tennessee for this episode to talk about "The Year of the Mom" with Ailina Carona - one of three moms in the state who banded together to run in their districts to better protect children in their communities. While she didn't plan to be a politician, after a school shooting happened less than 30 miles from her home and continued efforts to take away women's bodily autonomy, Ailina was motivated to throw her hat in the ring. She is currently running for House District 57 and took the time to chat about her experiences as a Hispanic woman, mom, and non-politician (she's a permanent make-up artist!) running for office. 

Sound Editor:

Jaxon Winters

Copyright info:

Fox 11 Los Angeles (2024, July 26). Jennifer Aniston slams JD Vance's 'childless cat ladies' comment [Video]. ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDN4SmElOtk

Global News (2023, March 27). Nashville school shooting: 3 students and 3 adults killed, police say. [Video] ⁠https://www.youtube.com/live/Yg9Xw5CvDis⁠

Instagram Reel (2024, July 9). The Year of The Mom [Video]. https://www.instagram.com/reel/C9N0PIYhmb1/?igsh=MXRqcTh6cDQyemFjeQ%3D%3D

Now This Impact (2024, July 24). J.D. Vance's Attack on 'Childless Cat Ladies' Resurfaces [Video]. ⁠https://www.youtube.com/shorts/SSGKiUBrfAU⁠

The Hollywood Reporter (2024, July 29). Chelsea Handler Slams J.D. Vance for "Childless Cat Ladies" Comments [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3dfpE7wKKZw

The View (2024, July 24) #WhoopiGoldberg reacts to a 2021 video of J.D. Vance criticizing VP Harris for being "childless." [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/shorts/jAPILa63rVg

WCNC (2024, Oct. 4). Liz Cheney campaigns with Kamala Harris to win anti-Trump Republicans [Video]. ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ED4SFs8AHQ⁠

We’re back for Season 2! This season we are conducting one-on-one interviews with women running for office, in office or who have run for office. We are kicking off the first episode with former California State Assemblywoman for the 38th District Christy Smith who learned the in-and-outs of running for federal office when she was a candidate for U.S. House of Representatives. While she didn’t win, she experienced the good and bad of being a woman in politics, from not looking like a candidate to having to defend her passion for politics.

Sound Editor:

Jaxon Winters

Copyright info:

Music Pixabay License purchased: Licensor's username: https://pixabay.com/users/lemonmusicstudio-14942887/

Sanderson, J. (1812). Hail to the chief [Song].

BBCNews. (2024, Sept. 11). Key moments from Donald Trump and Kamala Harris' US presidential debate [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUYepJ5fNp8