STATE of MIND – Reproductive Freedom: Essential for Mental Health
Since the Supreme Court overturned the reproductive rights protected by the Roe V. Wade decision, the news has been filled with talk about laws restricting access to reproductive health services. This upheaval is not just about state legislatures, federal laws, or religious beliefs…it’s
about people and their tender experiences. This episode features a collection of nuanced and highly personal stories about reproductive decisions and how these choices impact mental health. How each person makes meaning of their experience varies greatly, but what’s common
to all of the stories is that carrying a pregnancy to term and giving birth is not a minor incident. It is a major event in one’s life: physically, hormonally, financially and often emotionally. Our feature story is by writer, teacher and poet Patrice Vecchione. Some of what you’ll hear may be difficult; these stories may challenge your beliefs or values, but we urge you to listen and challenge yourself to hold the complexity, the diversity, and the common humanity in each tale.
Joining me to listen, reflect on, and respond to these important reproductive health stories is Alissa Perrucci, PhD, the Counseling & Administrative Manager at the Women’s Options Center at San Francisco General Hospital who has worked in abortion counseling for nearly two decades. More information and resources can be found at www.stateofmindmedia.org.