Reproductive Left

In this episode, Cat and Aspen talk about the successes and shortcomings of the body positivity movement, how the fat acceptance movement has always been led by Black women, and some of the historical influences on diet culture and fatphobia in our society today. Do you know what the eugenics movement and the BMI have in common? Join us to find out and dip your toes into the huge topic that is body positivity! Photo by AllGo - An App For Plus Size People on Unsplash Theme music by: WinkingFox

On this episode, we make a big announcement regarding the future of Reproductive Left and air a mix-up of past interviews. This gives you a taste of what you can find in the Reproductive Left archives.

On this episode, we talk with Regina Rooney, the education and communication director at the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence. Regina discusses the role of the coalition in the state of Maine and describes the work of their membership organizations. We explore topics like domestic violence within LGBTQ communities, how partner abuse can look different in teen relationships and reproductive coercion. We wrap up the episode with our "Ask Mabel" segment where we are hearing women's stories regarding their own experiences with birth control. On this show, Terry talks about using the birth control method fertility awareness.

In this episode, we are discussing the #metoo movement from the perspective of healing. With us is Gail Foss, RN and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor, we talk about how she helps women and men heal after experiencing sexual violence. In the interview, Gail opens up about her own experience and tells us a little bit about what needs to be done to change our culture so this doesn't continue to happen. In the "Ask Mabel" segment we learn about the Mirena IUD.

On January 18, 2018, we had the privilege of hosting Jamila Perritt MD MPH FACOG for our annual Roe v. Wade celebration. She spoke about her experience as an abortion provider, shared her story along with stories of the women she takes care of and highlighted why reproductive justice is what we all need to be working towards. Jamila Perritt MD MPH FACOG is a board-certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist who specializes in Family Planning and Reproductive Health. Dr. Perritt is a graduate of Howard University College of Medicine and completed her residency training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Pennsylvania Hospital in Philadelphia, PA. She completed a Family Planning Fellowship at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD. During her fellowship training, Dr. Perritt received a Masters Degree in Public Health from The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. After completion of her fellowship, she returned to her hometown of Washington, DC where she served as the Medical Director at Planned Par

As we begin this new year, we thought it was important to host an episode that focuses on two topics that are central to women's equality and reproductive justice: paid leave and childcare. Joining us for this episode is Kathy Kilrain del Rio the director of program and development at the Maine Women's Lobby. We've changed things up in our "Ask Mabel" segment. This year, we are focusing our "Ask Mabel" segment on birth control. On each episode, we will hear from the true expert themselves, women who use birth control. Following their story, our nurse practitioners will answer questions about that specific birth control method. On this episode, Casey explains why she uses birth control pills and Terry Marley-DeRosier, WHNP answers common questions about the method.

Just over a year ago, we interviewed the executive director of the Maine Women's Lobby, Eliza Townsend, about why the federal courts matter and how they impact our daily lives. She highlighted the power a president holds in regards to their nominations and the impact of their appointments. A lot has changed since November 2016 and on this episode, we invited Eliza Townsend back to give us an update on "Why the Courts Matter." To learn more you can visit: www.mainewomen.org/mwl. In our "Ask Mabel" segment, Nurse Practitioner, Lindsey Piper gives us an overview of all the birth control options and we announce an exciting addition to our podcast starting next year.

With Election Day just around the corner, on this episode, we are talking about women in leadership and the importance of voting. Here with me today is Bangor City Councilor Sarah Nichols. After successfully completing the Emerge Maine training program for Democratic women candidates, Sarah was elected for the first time to public office after winning a 7-way citywide race in November of 2015. Born and raised in Bangor, She studied New Media at the University of Maine and currently works for three feminist organizations; Maine Women’s Lobby, Hardy Girls Healthy Women, and Mabel Wadsworth Center. Additionally, Sarah currently serves on the Emerge Maine Board of Directors. When she isn't working to better the lives of all women and girls you will find her cross-country skiing, hiking, traveling abroad, or enjoying a local beer at her favorite bar, Nocturnem Draft Haus. She talks about why she ran for office, what it is like being the only woman on the council, and she offers some advice for other women who wa

On this episode, we talk with Sharon Barker, co-founder of Mabel Wadsworth Center and former director of the University of Maine's Women's Resource Center. Shortly after Sharon retired from the University of Maine, the Women's Resource Center abruptly closed. Due to committed student activists, the WRC has reopened without a director or a budget. Sharon explains what happened to the Women's Resource Center (WRC) and why it was so important. We also discuss the overall landscape of women in higher education. In our "ask Mabel" segment, Terry Marley-DeRosier explains the cause and remedies of dysmenorrhea (painful periods).

On this episode of Reproductive Left, our executive director, Andrea Irwin, joins us to discuss a new report by the Abortion Care Network titled: "Communities Need Clinics. She explains the importance of independent abortion care providers in communities across the United States and highlights what makes Mabel Wadsworth Center unique. We also discuss Medicaid expansion and abortion coverage. In our "Ask Mabel" segment, nurse practitioner, Lindsey Piper, joins to answer questions about birth control options.

In this episode, we had the opportunity to interview Victoria Yeboah, a young African leader with the Mandela Washington Fellowship. The Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders is the flagship program of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) that empowers young people through academic coursework, leadership training, and networking. It started in 2014 and this year, the Fellowship has provided 1,000 young leaders from Sub-Saharan Africa with the opportunity to hone their skills at a U.S. college or university with support for professional development after they return home. The Fellows range in age from 25 to 35 and have established records of accomplishment in promoting innovation and positive impact in their organizations, institutions, communities, and countries. The Fellows represent a diverse group of leaders from 48 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa and 50 percent of Fellows are women. Each fellow is connected with a local leader or organization for mentorship during the program

On June 22, 2017, we hosted a Bangor Pride Week event which included lunch, networking, and the opportunity to learn more about the services Mabel Wadsworth Center offers for the LGBTQ+ community. We were thrilled to open our doors during Pride to give our community the chance to see our center and to meet our healthcare providers and staff. We offered an "LGBTQ Health Questions and Answers" program and recorded it for Reproductive Left.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month. On this episode, we speak with Arianna Sessoms, a graduate student who works at the Office of Sexual Assault and Violence Prevention at the University of Maine. We discuss the services they offer students at UMaine and the education programming. Lindsey Piper, WHNP, joins us for the "Ask Mabel" segment where she answers questions about what sexual assault survivors can expect at an appointment at Mabel Wadsworth Center and tips to prepare for the exam.

March 10th is Abortion Provider Appreciation Day, to recognize this important day, Jennifer Thibodeau from the Abortion Care Network joins us on this episode. We discuss what it means to be an independent abortion provider, like Mabel Wadsworth Center, and we explore the challenges we face as a movement. We switch things up a bit in our "Ask Mabel" segment - this month we ask Andrea Irwin, executive director of Mabel Wadsworth Center, to explain how defunding Planned Parenthood will impact Mabel's and what would happen in Maine if Roe v. Wade were overturned.

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we decided this was a good month to discuss healthy relationships. Joining us on this episode is Alex Patel, a local Marriage and Families Therapist, with 20 years of experience. We explore what it means to be in a healthy relationship, what to do when conflict occurs, she offers advice for single folks, and promotes the importance of honesty and vulnerability in relationships. Additionally, Alex explains why she isn’t actually the biggest fan of Valentine’s Day. In our “Ask Mabel”, Lindsey Piper answers questions about Transgender Healthcare at Mabel Wadsworth Center and we explain a little more about our new name!

For the first episode of 2017, Andrea Irwin, executive director of Mabel Wadsworth Center, guest hosts to give our listeners a chance to get to know your host Abbie Strout. On this episode, Abbie discusses how she got involved in reproductive rights and at Mabel Wadsworth Center. She provides an overview of the education and community engagement work at the Center and announces some news. There wasn't time for our "Ask Mabel" segment this month, but we promise to answer your sexual and reproductive health questions in February.

On this episode, Maggie Campbell, the director of communications and development at the Health Equity Alliance, joins us to discuss World AIDS Day. Maggie talks with us about how stigma impacts people with HIV/AIDS, the harm reduction philosophy of HEAL, and provides prevention tips. Since the election, we have noticed an increase of interest in IUDs. Many women are worried they will lose birth control coverage with the next administration and are considering getting IUDs inserted prior to January 20th. In our "Ask Mabel" segment, Terry Marley-DeRoiser, WHNP, answers questions about Long Acting Reversible Contraception, including IUDs, providing medically accurate information to help with your decision.

On this episode, we speak with Eliza Townsend, executive director of the Maine Women's Lobby. With the election right around the corner, we discussed the importance of the federal courts and how they impact our lives. Don't forget to vote on November 8th! We end with "Ask Mabel" where Lindsey Piper, WHNP, answers questions about breast/chest exams!

On today's episode local writer, pianist, and composer, Bundy Boit, joins us to talk about her most recent play. It is titled: An Inner Voice and is about Margaret Sanger’s fight, in the 20th century, for access to birth control information for all women. Bundy has published short stories and essays in diverse anthologies and magazines. Her original music has been performed in churches, schools and on television. She’s the author of four plays with music about 19th and 20th century women. We were thrilled to have her on Reproductive Left. In the "Ask Mabel" segment, Terry Marley-DeRosier, WHNP, answers common questions about the suction abortion procedure.

On this episode, we re-aired the first Reproductive Left show to air on Community Radio WERU. The interview is with Posie Cowan of Blue Hill, Maine. She talks with us about discovering suffrage banners in her family's attic. This took her on quite the adventure as she learned about her grandmother's activism. In the "Ask Mabel" segment, Terry Marley-DeRosier, WHNP, gives us great advice on how to reduce stress. Picture: 2015 Women's Equality Day Rally