The O+G Advocates
By The O+G Advocates
The O+G AdvocatesDec 28, 2022
Her Bold Move: Helping to get Women a Seat the Table
Join The Advocates in a conversation with Jordan Zaslow, founder and Executive Director of Her Bold Move. The mission of Her Bold Move is to use media campaigns to elect unapologetically pro-choice women to political seats that have traditionally been dominated by anti-choice men. The COVID pandemic provided an opportunity to those in the media and entertainment industries to donate resources toward promoting progressive causes and what started as a volunteer project has become a national coalition of support for progressive women candidates. Her Bold Move plans to put progressive women in all the rooms where decisions are made - and we can join in that mission.
Visit HerBoldMove.org to get involved and keep up with their work on their social media channels!
The Mife Situation: What to Expect When You Are Expecting (the worst)
It's been a minute, but the OG Advocates are back with a new episode! Friend of the pod, Becca Hart Holder, is back to break down the journey we have been on with Mifepristone...and what potentially comes next. It's important to remember that Mifepristone is incredibly safe and efforts to restrict access to it is in no way based in science. Take a listen, leave a comment, share with a friend!
Follow Becca on twitter
Learn about Repro Equity Now and the incredible work they are doing
Read more about Mifepristone here and the impact restricting it could have
Read about the Mifepristone update from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists Mife update
The Case No One is Talking About: The Threat to Mifepristone
In the last episode of 2022, The O+G Advocates talk with Christine Clarke, a civil rights and constitutional lawyer currently at Reavis Page Jump LLP in New York City. Until this past January, she worked at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, representing Planned Parenthood affiliates in litigation around the country fighting to preserve abortion access.
In Mid-November 2022, several anti-abortion groups and four anti-choice physicians filed a lawsuit in Amarillo, Texas against the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) claiming that the FDA unlawfully fast tracked the approval of the abortion medication decades ago without properly studying its safety profile. Although this statement is false and Mifepristone has been heavily vetted by the FDA and the scientific community, this lawsuit has the potential to remove access to Mifepristone throughout the United States.
Christine helps The Advocates break down the case and what is at stake.
Plus, we wrap up 2022 sharing what we are all grateful for.
Share your thoughts on the episode and what you are hoping to hear in 2023!
Sterilization Station: What OB/GYNs Need to Know About the Patient Rush for Permanent Contraception
More than ever before, patients are seeking out OB/GYNs and requesting permanent contraception in huge numbers. There are Reddit lists and social media posts with lists of physicians who will help. So why are people asking for permanent contraception now? And what is the evidence to support the surgeons doing the procedures?
The Advocates are joined by Dr. Nikki Zite, an OB/GYN in Tennessee and formidable researcher on permanent contraception. Follow Dr. Zite on Twitter @nikkizitemd and Join the conversation on our Instagram and Twitter pages!
Resources mentioned:
- ACOG Practice Bulletin #208 on Sterilization
Historical references:
- Eugencis and Involuntary Sterilization: 1907 - 2015
- The History of Forced Sterilization in the United States
- Unwanted Sterilization and Eugenics Programs in the United States
Love and Loss in Abortion Care
October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month and our guest is an expert on this subject, both personally and professionally. Dr. Julie Bindeman, a reproductive psychologist and reproductive rights advocate, joins The Advocates in a discussion of abortion in the context of individual perspective, societal compassion, and making healthcare decisions out of love.
Find Dr. Bindeman on Twitter at @DrJulieB and @ITGWTherapy. You can read her abortion story here.
Links and resources mentioned in the show:
Pregnancy After Loss Support (PALS)
Exhale: After-abortion support
American Society of Reproductive Medicine (Mental Health Professional Group)
Indiana OB/GYNs and the Impending Abortion Ban
We are joined by Bea Soderholm, DO and Raiven Owusu, both in Indiana, to discuss about how learners are dealing with the impending abortion ban. As a chief resident and fourth year medical student, they are both at a decision point in their career. Hear how abortion impacts their next steps in their career and why staying involved in abortion care is so important.
Indiana implements a total abortion ban on September 15, which has exceptions only for "life of the mother" and rape or incest until 12 weeks gestation.
Follow Dr. Soderholm at @beatrice__rae (Twitter and Instagram) and Ms. Owusu at @raiven_owusu (Twitter).
Support pregnant Indiana people through support of the Midwest Access Coalition, which will help transport, lodge, and fund patients needing to leave their home state for abortion care. Follow them at https://www.midwestaccesscoalition.org/ or on their social channels (insta: https://www.instagram.com/midwest_access_coalition/, and twitter: https://twitter.com/MidwestAccess/)
Storytellers: Five Women Share their Illegal Abortion Stories Pre-Roe
Abortion existed before Roe and will certainly continue after the Dobbs decision. In this episode, the Advocates welcome The Bad Old Days Posse. This group of women had illegal abortions or helped friends get illegal abortions in the 1960s, worked to get Roe passed, and are still working to ensure access to abortion today.
These stories from the past reflect the desperation of people seeking abortion care and the lengths they will go to control their own bodily autonomy.
Trigger warning: Some of the stories told in this episode include graphic descriptions of illegal abortion in the 1960s.
Practicing Pre-Roe: Learning From Our Past
The Advocates share their reactions to SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, both in their own states and in our country.
Later in the episode, they are joined by Dr. Henry Klapholz, a professor emeritus OB/GYN who lived and worked through pre-Roe years. We discuss the dangers of the pre-Roe era, what complications we should worry about now that abortion is prohibited in many places, as well as what is different now that self-managed abortion is an option for patients.
There are so many things we can do, even if we are feeling hopeless and scared right now. Check out the resources below and also Katie McHugh’s twitter thread with some action items (click here).
Resources mentioned:
- National Network of Abortion Funds (AbortionFunds.org)
- Midwest Access Coalition (https://midwestaccesscoalition.org/)
- Plan C Pills (PlanCPills.org)
- I Need An A (INeedAnA.com)
- Aid Access (AidAccess.org)
The Intersection of Racism and the Anti-Abortion Movement
The O+G Advocates welcome Jennifer Villavicencio, MD, MPP to discuss the intersection of racism and the anti-abortion movement. As the country prepares for the SCOTUS decision on Dobbs v Jackson, which will likely overturn the federally protected right to abortion, Dr. Villvicencio discussed how we got here in history and why abortion restriction is born out of racism.
Tune in to hear the predictions of how bad it will be, and listen in to find community and hope in the advocacy still to be done.
Resources mentioned:
National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF): https://abortionfunds.org
Plan C: https://www.plancpills.org/
Aid Access: https://aidaccess.org/en/
Additional related resources:
CNN article about white supremacy and abortion: https://www.cnn.com/2022/05/18/us/abortion-ban-women-of-color/index.html
Margaret Sanger PP Accountability: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/about-us/who-we-are/our-history
Reproductive Justice book: https://bookshop.org/books/reproductive-justice-an-introductionvolume-1/9780520288201
Rage Episode: Reactions to the SCOTUS Leak
The O+G Advocates react to the leaked SCOTUS Opinion, along with Drs. Caitlin Bernard, Luu Ireland, and Tracey Wilkinson. These abortion activists discuss the implication of overturning Roe v. Wade, the landmark 1973 decision that legalized abortion, and talk honestly about how frustrated and angry they are at this juncture.
We come together in community, not only to grieve this impact on our patients, but also to support each other and find a way forward. Tune in to this special reaction episode, where we curse, rage, and strategize how to get through this moment in history.
Follow our guests:
Dr. Caitlin Bernard: @DrCaitlinBernard
Dr. Luu Ireland: @LIrelandMD
Resources mentioned in the episode:
Planned Parenthood Regional Logistic Center: https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-st-louis-region-southwest-missouri/patients/regional-logistics-center
National Network of Abortion Funds (NNAF): https://abortionfunds.org/
Keep Our Clinics - supporting independent abortion clinics: https://keepourclinics.org/
Center for Reproductive Rights: https://reproductiverights.org/
Additional resources:
I Need an A: https://www.ineedana.com/
Abortion Pills information: http://abortionpills.org/
Matchmaker, Make Me a Match! A Conversation with Medical Students about the Residency Application Process
In this episode, the O+G Advocates speak with two fourth-year medical school students regarding their experience interviewing for OBGYN Residency Spots. OBGYN has become a coveted field in the last 10 years, with 20% of US MD Medical seniors failing to match into the specialty. They take us through their experience, the stresses of applying to a highly competitive specialty during the time of COVID, and how they navigated the possibility of training in a post-Roe v Wade world. We also had the distinct opportunity to ask about their opinions on the upcoming changes to OBGYN residency interviews.
We would like to thank our two guests.
Megan Sluga, MD Candidate
Twitter @mdSluga
Jenny Hansen, MD Candidate
Twitter: @jennylhansen
Instagram: @jennlhansen
Defending Democracy: A Discussion with Skye Perryman, CEO of Democracy Forward
ACOG members will recognize the name and impact of this episode's guest! The Advocates welcome Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward and former Chief Legal Counsel at ACOG. Skye talks about the recent decision on mifepristone administration, the legal ramifications of changing abortion legislation across the country, and challenges physicians to rise to the challenge of defending patient autonomy.
Skye has spent her career defending rights to reproductive health access, including abortion, and shining honest light on inequities in health care. Join the conversation and get your advocacy inspiration. Follower her on Twitter @SkyePerryman
Democracy Forward: https://democracyforward.org/
Mifepristone FDA FAQs: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/questions-and-answers-mifeprex
Democracy Forward vaccine litigation info: https://democracyforward.org/lawsuits/defending-federal-vaccine-policies-during-the-covid-19-pandemic/
Democracy forward social media accounts:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DemocracyFwd
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/democracyforward/?hl=en
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DemocracyFwd
Toxic Exposures At Work: How Ob/Gyns Can Advocate for Environmental Justice
In our first episode of 2022, The O+G Advocates speak with Dr. Minako Watabe about her advocacy work related to occupational toxin exposure for pregnant farm workers. This is a great continuation of our discussion with Dr. DeNicola on the critical interaction between environment and health for our patients. You won't want to miss this one!
CHAMACOS Study
https://cerch.berkeley.edu/research-programs/chamacos-study
Pregnant At Work- UC Hastings Center for Work Life Law
https://pregnantatwork.org/about/
Environmental Working Group
https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php
CA Rural Legal Assistance
UCSF Program on Reproductive Health and the Environment
Double Discrimination: How ObGyns are harmed by low pay and reimbursement
In this episode, the O+G Advocates speak with Dr. Louise King MD, JD, a fellow OB/GYN, and fearless women’s health advocate. Dr. King discusses the double discrimination in gynecologic surgery and how it negatively impacts patient outcomes. She touches on the historical influences that created a system in which women’s health care is not valued which in turn drives the lower rate in reimbursement for gynecologic surgery. The poor reimbursement negatively impacts female surgeons who make up the majority of gynecologic surgeons today.
You can read her article here.
Meet Our New Podcaster: Dr. Talia Coney
Follow Dr. Coney on Twitter @TaliaConeyMD
Part 2: Defending Abortion Rights in Texas
How did Texas past the most restrictive anti-abortion law in the country? What reason did the Supreme Court give for not intervening? How is this law different and how do we challenge it? It's enough to make your head spin! Thankfully, The Advocates talk to Texas lawyer Blake Rocap to break it ALL down for us.
Blake has worked in or with the Texas Legislature since 2007. For the past seven legislative sessions, Blake has been Legislative counsel for AVOW (formerly NARAL Pro-Choice Texas) focusing his advocacy on abortion rights and reproductive healthcare. He is former board member, volunteer attorney and current legal director of Jane’s Due Process a statewide non-profit that helps young people in Texas navigate parental consent laws and confidentially access abortion and birth control. He is the immediate past president of the board of Every Body Texas the Title X grantee in Texas. He is a member of the Health Law, and Legislative and Campaign Law sections of the state bar.
After this episode was recorded, The House of Representatives passed the Women's Health Protection Act (WHPA). WHPA protects the right to access abortion without restrictions and unnecessary bans. If passed, it would block state's mandatory waiting periods, mandatory ultrasounds, biased and false counseling, and two-trip requirements. Read more about WHPA here and how you can get involved in advocacy for it.
Part 1: A Conversation with a Texas Abortion Provider
The Advocates talk with Dr. Ghazaleh Moayedi, a champion of reproductive health and justice and an abortion provider in Texas. Dr. Moayedi talks about what it has been like being a provider in Texas since SB8 became law, the tireless work leading up to the enactment of this law, and what comes next.
Action Items:
Advocate for the Women's Health Protection Act (WHPA). WHPA is federal legislation that protects the right to access abortion. If passed, it would prevent abortion bans and ensure abortion access without medically unnecessary restrictions-like waiting periods, mandatory ultrasounds, inaccurate counseling. Get more information here and learn how to advocate for this legislation!
Consider donating to these incredible organization to support Texans in need of abortion services:
- Texas Equal Access Fund provides funds and emotional support to people seeking abortion care.
- Lilith Fund is the oldest abortion fund in the state, serving patients in central and south Texas.
- Frontera Fund provides financial assistance, lodging, and transportation for patients living in the Rio Grande Valley or who have procedures scheduled at Whole Women’s Health in McAllen, Texas.
- Clinic Access Support Network provides transportation, lodging, childcare assistance, compassionate care, and occasional procedure funding to patients in Houston, Texas.
- The Afiya Center was founded by Black women in North Texas to promote the reproductive health of Black women and girls. The center’s Support Your Sistah Fund provides practical help to abortion patients.
- Fund Texas Choice helps with travel and accommodation costs for Texas residents seeking abortion care in- and out-of-state.
- The Bridge Collective provides information, transportation, accommodation, and abortion doula services.
- Buckle Bunnies Fund mobilizes across Texas to help secure funding for people seeking care. You can Venmo @Buckle-Bunnies, CashApp $BuckleBunniesFund, or shop on their website to support this fund.
- West Fund is a community organization working to create universal abortion accessibility. It provides financial assistance to patients in Texas, Southern New Mexico, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, who are seeking procedures in El Paso, Texas, or New Mexico.
- Jane’s Due Process provides reproductive health resources, legal aid, and case management to help young Texans navigate parental consent laws and confidentially access abortion and birth control.
- The Stigma Relief Fund provides financial help to Whole Woman’s Health patients.
The ObGyn and Climate Change: What You Need to Know
In this episode, the Advocates speak with Dr. Nate DeNicola about how environmental justice and toxic exposures intersect with reproductive health. You will not want to miss learning how you can advocate for a healthier environment to ensure healthier lives.
Follow Dr. Nate DeNicola on twitter @NDeNicolaMD
Read Dr. DeNicola’s JAMA paper “Association of Air Pollution and Heat Exposure with Preterm Birth, Low Birth Weight, and Stillbirth in the US” here.
Read more about Congresswoman Lauren Underwood’s Bill: H.R. 3956 Climate and Health Protection Act and Senator Diane Feinstein’s Bill S. 2669 A bill to ban the use of ortho-phthalate chemicals as food contact substances.
Learn how to get involved in these issues here.
Our Pride Episode: Care of Transgender and Non-Binary Patients
In this episode, The O+G Advocates speak with Dr. Hannah Locke, Director of Gynecology for the Eskenazi Transgender Health and Wellness Center at Indiana University, about being an advocate for transgender and non-binary folx. We discuss what it takes to provide this care and the importance of doing so.
Follow Dr. Locke:
Instagram: @drhannahlocke
Twitter: @drhannahlocke
Mentioned in the Episode:
Whipping Girl by Julia Serano
Amateur and Man Alive by Thomas Paige McBee
She's Not There: A Life in Two Genders by Laura Finney Boylan
UCSF Transgender Health Guidelines
ACOG Committee Opinion: Health Care for Transgender and Gender Diverse Individuals
The Fate of Roe
On Monday, May 17th, 2021 The Supreme Court of the United States announced they would hear a case out of Mississippi. This case arises from a law that bans nearly all abortions after 15 weeks, putting a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade. This is also the first abortion case that will be heard after the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg and the confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett.
The O+G Advocates sit down with Becca Hart Holder, Executive Director of NARAL Massachusetts, to break it all down: what this case means, what the past has shown us, and what the future might hold.
Follow Becca on Twitter @rhartholder
The March of Dimes: Your Advocacy Partner
In this episode The Advocates chat with Kipp Lanham, the Manager for the Advocacy Mission Market with the March of Dimes. The March of Dimes started in 1938 by President Roosevelt to address the polio epidemic. In present day, the organization is a true advocacy powerhouse: focusing on efforts to end preventable preterm birth and infant death, reduce alarming rates of maternal mortality and morbidity, and address other social determinants of health including health equity pay gaps, environmental impacts on health and more. Join us as we take a deep dive with Kipp and his work with The March of Dimes.
Get involved and sign up here: https://www.marchofdimes.org/advocacy/action-center.aspx
A Seat at the Table: Working with Medical Organizations
If you are interested in learning more about the various advocacy organizations discussed, you can find information here:
American Medical Association
Planned Parenthood Action
Physicians for Reproductive Health
American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
If you are interested in the PRH Leadership Training Academy, you can find information here.
Ready to Run: Physician and Politician?
In this episode, The O+G Advocates interview Dr. Kristin Lyerly, a practicing Ob/Gyn Specialist, who shares her experience running for Wisconsin State Assembly. We discuss the process and impact of running for office as a physician advocate. Dr. Lyerly shares her journey, lessons learned, and hopes for the future. We promise you will be ready to submit your signatures to get on the ballot after this episode.
Plus, The O+G Advocates review the latest in women's health policy and legislation! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram to connect and stay up-to-date!
Additional Information:
If you are interested in learning more about EMERGE, you can find information here
If you are interested in learning more about Dr. Lyerly, you can follow her here:
Facebook: Kristin For Wisconsin
Instagram: Kristin_for_Wisconsin
Twitter: @KristinforWI
Joe Kennedy chats with The O+G Advocates
In this episode, The O+G Advocates review different ways to participate in legislative advocacy, including key pointers and common pitfalls. The Advocates are joined by U.S. Congressman Joe Kennedy III (D-MA), who explains what makes a great pitch from his side of the table. You can also hear about Congressman Kennedy's new community organizing effort, The Groundwork Project.
The O+G Advocates Origin Story
In this episode, The O+G Advocates introduce themselves and explain what brought them to advocacy. They will also review some of the policies of the prior administration (Domestic and Global Gag Rule, REMS Changes for Mifepristone, and many others) as well as their hopes for reproductive health policy in the Biden/Harris Administration.
Introducing The O+G Advocates Podcast
An introduction to a new podcast focused on reproductive health advocacy hosted by four Ob/Gyns from around the country: Drs. Megan Evans, Kasandra Scales, Kyle Bukowski, and Katie McHugh.