Podcasts about roe act

G&C is excited to introduce you to a special guest, Greta Kohl, an inspiring advocate for women's health. She shares about her chronic illnesses: Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Endometriosis, and Interstitial Cystitis and the journey it took for her to get her diagnoses. Particularly with Endometriosis, she acknowledges the privilege she has had; most people with uterises don't get the diagnosis for YEARS! People with uterises get so used to the rhetoric, "It's just your period" and pain is minimized. Irritable Bowel Syndrome often causes Greta the most pain and change in lifestyle. It affects the large intenstine and is managed differently by every individual. Endometriosis is a painful disorder in which the endometrium grows outside the uterus. It is often overlooked or misdiagnosed. Finally, Interstitial Cystitis is a largely unknown condition causing chronic bladder and pelvic pain. They also discuss the temptation to overlook new symptoms, the stigma around STIs, and the frustration that comes from others telling you how to "contol" your chronic pain. They end with an important discussion of Women's Health Clinics and laws protecting people with uterises. Greta has worked on all sides of reproductive health: in family grief counseling, in abortion clinics, on a post-abortion hotline, with a national abortion funder, and now is getting a certification as a doula. They talk about the misconceptions that people are "pro-abortion" or are making these difficult decisions lightly. They also discuss the importance of having better sex education and women's clinics to meet community health needs. They end with an introduction to doula work and a chat about the current over-medicalization of pregnancy. Other sources: ROE Act

Tough week? Focus in on some positive and clear advocacy. Listen in as we learn about the launch of Reproductive Equity Now in Massachusetts. With no time for despair, Executive Director Rebecca Hart Holder shares the urgency of taking action on the interconnected issues that will help us thrive. Learn about successful advocacy strategies that helped make gains in Massachusetts in recent years, including the ROE Act, and consider what's next with an eye out for regional advances in reproductive equity! Learn more: https://reproequitynow.org/

MA State Representative Dylan Fernandes talks to Andrew about what he's been up to with Covid-19 Guideline Extensions, updates on unemployment assistance, the Climate Bill and the Roe Act.

Join members of the Boston Red Cloaks in conversation with Gena Frank, Government and Policy Director at NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts. How did organization, coalition partners and grassroots efforts succeed in expanding abortion access and rolling back restrictive parental consent laws? Reflect back on the past legislative session and consider how we might support other states. What's next in the Commonwealth?

Listen in as Senator Chandler debriefs from the historic Massachusetts legislative session that passed provisions of the ROE Act - including a rollback on parental consent and judicial bypass. Chandler was determined to make progress, despite the pandemic, and shares her views on the role played by active individuals. Senator Chandler has persisted over multiple legislative sessions to secure access to abortion for those who need it, and provides a glimpse into what remains to be tackled (hint: addressing racial disparities in healthcare, exp. maternal health, and supporting healthy sex education for minors).

Today on Boston Public Radio: Dr. Katherine Gergen Barnett discusses news around the COVID-19 vaccines, from their slower-than-anticipated rollout in the U.S., to questions of whether vaccine skeptics are right to feel hesitant about getting their shot. She also responds to questions and comments from listeners. Gergen Barnett is the vice chair of Primary Care Innovation and Transformation and Residency Director in the Department of Family Medicine at Boston Medical Center and Boston University Medical School. Next, we open lines to talk with listeners about Tuesday’s runoff elections in Ga., and the possibility of an end to divided government in 2021.   Carol Rose, Executive Director of the ACLU of Mass., discusses upsides and drawbacks to Mass.' newly-signed police reform law. She also touches on the significance of the state's newly-passed ROE Act, which expands abortion protections in Mass, and talks about Gov. Charlie Baker's decision to veto it. Then, we return to listener lines to talk about your feeling on returning to office spaces in 2021. CNN’s John King breaks down the latest headlines on the national stage, from the dual Senate runoff elections taking place in Ga. Tuesday, to the dozens of congressional Republicans saying they’ll contest certifying President-elect Joe Biden’s election victory. NBC Sports Boston reporter and anchor Trenni Kusnierek talks about Tuesday’s fully-masked basketball game between B.U. and Holy Cross, a first in college basketball, and reflects on the Patriots’ losing 2020 season without quarterback Tom Brady.

Listen in as supporters of the Red Cloaks and the ROE Act discuss the historic victory of December 29, 2020, when the Massachusetts Senate voted to join colleagues in the state's House of Representatives to override Governor Baker's veto of legislation that expands access to abortion in the Commonwealth. The legislation began as the ROE Act, and was altered over the 24 month session. It updates state laws, expands access for those who receive a fatal fetal diagnosis after the 24th week of pregnancy, allows 16 and 17 year olds to access abortion without parental consent OR judicial permission, adds a scientific and medically accurate basis for legal definitions, and codifies the right to an abortion in state law. While not the full "ROE Act", the legislation is a step forward for reproductive justice. Find us on: twitter, instagram, facebook.

Listen in as Red Cloaks and former guests discuss the House override of Governor Baker's veto of the ROE Act. The Governor vetoed on December 24, 2020 - Christmas Eve.

We check in on veto override efforts in the Massachusetts Senate with State Senator Harriette Chandler, who wrote and sponsored the ROE Act.

After 23 months, activists continue pursuing passage of legislation to protect access to reproductive healthcare in Massachusetts, including abortion care. After the MA House & Senate passed budget amendments to lift up portions of the bill originally known as the "ROE Act", the next decision belongs to Governor Charlie Baker. Will he, or won't he sign Amendment 40? Find out how your three minute phone call or email can help! To call Governor Baker: (617) 725-4000 {leave a message} To email: www.mass.gov/forms/email-the-governors-office

Wondering what difference one person can make? Listen in on our conversation with Kristen Strezo in Somerville, MA. As a social activist, feminist, and newly elected City Councilor-at-Large, Kristen has taken up the initiative to investigate unprocessed rape kits to better understand how we can each help promote safety, accountability, support for victims and rape prevention. Learn how to help in your local city or town. Conversation recorded Nov. 18 just hours after MA Senate voted on ROE Act amendments. Kristen has also initiated a local resolution in support of the Massachusetts ROE Act, to update archaic laws and help expand access to abortion. Learn more about the impact an individual can have - whether as a resident, elected official, or maximizing reach by working together! Website: https://kristenstrezo.com/

The Massachusetts state Senate voted 33-7 on Nov. 18th to pass Health and Human Services amendment 180. You can listen in to the conversation as volunteers and activists process the news. Everyone on the call has been working since January 2019 to see the ROE Act move forward. Participants discuss having watched the transparent budget debate over the Senate's livestream.

We have been following the ROE Act in this podcast since July 3, 2020 and in the past week there has been public movement in the Massachusetts state legislature. Listen in on the conversation that wraps up the week - from the official results of the US Presidential election, to the introduction of budget amendment 759 in the Massachusetts House, which brings forward portions of the ROE Act. This coming week, the Senate's version will be debated. Recorded 11/13/20.

In today's News: Seminary to digitize rare books In the coming decade, Concordia Seminary, St. Louis will make some 10,000 books and manuscripts, including more than 6,000 volumes in its rare book collection, available to scholars worldwide thanks to the mobilization of a monumental digitization effort. The Seminary’s Kristine Kay Hasse Memorial Library, the largest Lutheran library in North America, will begin using state-of-the-art technology in the coming months to photograph, scan and convert its most fragile and unique manuscripts and books into electronic files. It will take about a decade to complete the process of digitizing all the materials. Massachusetts tries to expand abortion As companion bills aimed at allowing abortion up until the moment of birth continue to be stalled, Massachusetts lawmakers are now working to insert an amendment into the state budget that would accomplish the same goal. State Representative Claire Cronin, the co-chair of the Joint Committee on The Judiciary, filed Amendment 759, which would be added to the annual budget bill. The leadership of both houses of the Massachusetts General Court have spoken out in favor of the amendment, similar to the Roe Act that failed. New Jersey to make abortion a right Last month, New Jersey lawmakers introduced a bill that would permanently enshrine abortion as a right in the state. Created as a response to the death of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, the so-called “Reproductive Freedom Act” would not only protect abortion within the state but would also do away with virtually all restrictions. Gov. Phil Murphy announced the legislation, which he crafted with Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg and Assemblywoman Valerie Vainieri Huttle, as a move to “expand health care” on his website. In addition to making abortion a state right, it mandates that insurance covers both birth control and abortion, with no out-of-pocket cost. Finally, it removes what it labels “medically-unnecessary restrictions” on abortion, which it considers a “fundamental right.” Michigan’s Supreme Court to rule on school funding Michigan’s highest court heard oral arguments in a case over whether the state can provide funds to private and religious schools to maintain state-mandated health and safety regulations, despite a state constitutional amendment barring public funding of nonpublic schools. The Michigan Supreme Court heard arguments Tuesday in the case of Council of Organizations and others for education about Parochiaid v. State of Michigan. At issue was a law passed in 2016 that allocated $2.5 million to reimburse private schools for the cost of complying with state-mandated health, safety, and welfare regulations. The lawsuit against reimbursing private schools filed by a coalition of groups, including the ACLU of Michigan, Michigan Parents for Schools, Middle Cities Education Association and Kalamazoo Public Schools. The oral arguments before the Michigan Supreme Court come months after the United States Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that religious schools in Montana can qualify for a state tax credit program even though their state constitution bans public aid to religious entities.

Listen in to an important conversation with Massachusetts Senator Harriette Chandler, Senate President Emerita, who is the lead sponsor for the ROE Act. As we turn the calendar page, we approach the November 12th deadline by which the Massachusetts Joint Committee on the Judiciary must report out on the ROE Act. The recent shift on the United States Supreme Court drives home the urgency of swift passage of the ROE Act. Senator Chandler provides a recap of both the evolution of Massachusetts state legislature and laws related to reproductive rights. Rec. 10.30.20

In today's News: Lutherans prepare for the March For Life As they have for decades, members of The Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) will march for life in 2021. One such event is the Chicago March For Life, which recently announced plans to take this year’s March On The Road. The “moving the movement tour” is designed to “build unity, community and the pro-life future” by connecting participants in 10 states in a series of car parades, outdoor rallies and supportive events across the Midwest, culminating in Chicago on Jan. 23. In doing so, march for life Chicago — planned by the organization WEDIGNIFY — says they hope to encourage their tour partners, whom they are calling the “Midwest overs,” to “witness, inspire and serve” the cause of life in their respective communities. One such “Midwest Mover” event will be in Fort Wayne, Ind., on Jan. 16, 2021. Details are still being finalized, but LCMS President The Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison will be a featured speaker at the event. As in previous years, the Synod will have a presence at the National March For Life in Washington, D.C., set for Friday, Jan. 29. Also, as in previous years, there will be a divine service for lcms participants held before the march at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Alexandria, Va., at 9 a.m. Senator calls for unrestricted abortion Sen. Elizabeth Warren joined Massachusetts abortion activists Tuesday in urging the state to pass a radical bill that would legalize the killing of unborn babies in abortions through all nine months of pregnancy. The pro-abortion Democrat senator stoked up fear during the online pro-abortion rally, warning that the confirmation of Supreme Court Justice Amy Coney Barrett could lead to more abortion restrictions, The Boston Globe reports. She urged the state legislature to pass the Roe Act, which would eliminate basically all restrictions on abortion in Massachusetts. It would allow abortions through all nine months of pregnancy, even if there is no physical threat to the mother and eliminate the state parental consent requirement for underage girls. It also would allow “passive infanticide” by eliminating a requirement to provide medical care to a baby who is born alive after an abortion. Planned Parenthood confronted on its racism A group of black pro-life activists have filed a racial discrimination claim against Planned Parenthood, the largest abortion provider in the United States. The National Black Pro-Life Coalition, an organization that hopes to “end abortion by restoring a culture of life and the foundation of family in the black community,” announced that it filed a claim against Planned Parenthood with The Office Of Civil Rights in The U.S. Department of Health And Human Services. The suit comes nearly two months after more than 120 African Americans signed a letter to Planned Parenthood, urging the organization to “confront its racist founding, mission and practices.” Planned Parenthood was founded more than a century ago by Margaret Sanger, a eugenicist who wanted to control the black population. Sanger was among the women honored in The Smithsonian Museum of American History’s temporary “girlhood” exhibit created in honor of the 100th anniversary of women receiving the right to vote. Sanger’s presence in the exhibit reflects her reputation as a feminist icon seen as a pioneer of women’s rights and liberation.

Social workers and social justice go hand in hand at the Massachusetts chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. Jamie Klufts, NASWMA's Director of Communications & Strategic Initiatives, along with Brianna Silva and Cassidy Trablicy (also from NASWMA), join us for a discussion about legislative priorities to further reproductive justice, including the Healthy Youth Act and the ROE Act. What do teens and adults require to thrive? How can social workers support an individual's self-determination? What makes the ROE Act especially critical at this time? Learn more: www.naswma.org

With ears trained on the Supreme Court hearings in D.C., our eyes are on state legislative leaders who actively work toward reproductive justice in the Commonwealth. Meet Massachusetts State Senator Becca Rausch, who has made strides forward in her first term in office, introducing and gaining bipartisan support for legislation to address racial disparities in maternal health and improve access to reproductive healthcare. Tune in for her take on the ROE Act, next steps at the State House, and top tips.

Listen in as members of the Boston Red Cloaks join Senator Ed Markey outside the Edward Brooke Courthouse in Boston on September 27, 2020. Senator Markey convened a group of Massachusetts lead activists and legislators to speak out on a national day of action against the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett for the Supreme Court of the United States. Senator Markey shared his views on the fight for #SCOTUS and the urgency of passing the ROE Act - key state legislation that would secure reproductive rights for all pregnant people in the Commonwealth. Speakers include: Rebecca Hart Holder, Executive Director of NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts; Dr. Jennifer Childs-Roshak, President and CEO of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts and President of Planned Parenthood Advocacy Fund of Massachusetts; State Senator Becca Rausch; State Representative Jay Livingstone (also member of the Judiciary Committee - where the ROE Act is currently in committee)and State Representative Danielle Gregoire.

In today's News: Religious liberty threatened in Virginia  Three Christian schools and a Christian network of pregnancy centers are suing Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring in order to prevent Virginia from implementing two pro-LGBT laws that force “people of faith to adopt a particular government ideology under threat of punishment.” The two laws purport to prevent “discrimination” against LGBT people but force Christian ministries to choose between violating their sincerely-held religious beliefs or paying hefty fines, as much as $100,000 per offense. Virginia Values, which Gov. Ralph Northam signed the day before Easter Sunday, compels churches, religious schools, and Christian ministries to hire employees who do not share their stated beliefs on marriage, sexuality and gender identity. A companion law requires ministries and others like them to pay for transgender surgery in employee health care plans, a procedure that violates these ministries’ convictions.  AMA supports abortion  The American Medical Association (AMA) is advocating openly for abortions. Yesterday, it joined Planned Parenthood, the ACLU and other pro-abortion groups in a petition urging the U.S. Supreme Court to strike down President Donald Trump’s Protect Life Rule, The Hill reports. The Title X rule requires Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers to completely separate their abortion businesses from their taxpayer-funded services. That means housing their family planning services in separate buildings with separate staff from their abortion businesses and a denial of funds if they fail to do so. Planned Parenthood refused to comply and gave up about $60 million federal funding. The billion-dollar abortion chain also is suing to overturn the rule, and federal courts have issued conflicting rulings on the matter. Now, Planned Parenthood is turning to the Supreme Court for an answer, and the largest doctors’ association in the U.S. is supporting it.  Lawmakers push for abortion up to birth  Massachusetts lawmakers may try to push through a bill this fall that would legalize abortions through all nine months and allow young teens to get abortions without a parent’s knowledge or consent. The Roe Act has been stalled in the state legislature for 20 months, but abortion activists are demanding that lawmakers pass it in the wake of the death of U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, according to the New Boston Post. The bill would eliminate most regulations and restrictions on abortion in Massachusetts. It would allow abortions through all nine months of pregnancy, even if there is no physical threat to the mother’s life and could put young sexual abuse victims at greater risk by eliminating the state parental consent requirement. Massachusetts Citizens for Life said the bill also allows for “passive infanticide” by eliminating a requirement to provide medical care to a baby who is born alive after an abortion. 

Listen in to a conversation with members of the Boston Red Cloaks and Catholics For Choice to gain greater perspective over CFC's effort to defend religious liberty and protect the conscience of people in Massachusetts who are seeking healthcare for any reason that only they know. Massachusetts is home to 2.8 million Catholic people, and Catholics For Choice reflects on the role of individual Catholics in preserving and practicing their religion. Find out why CFC supports the ROE Act. Learn more at: www.catholicsforchoice.org

9/24/20-- This month has proven to be a sad one for the courts both here in Massachusetts and nationally, with the passing of Justice Ralph Gants, and more recently, Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg. Jenn, Steve, and Stephanie discuss the commonality between Governor Charlie Baker and President Donald Trump -- appointing a significant number of justices. In Boston news, city councilor Andrea Campbell put an end to speculation today when she made the announcement that she is in fact running for mayor. That makes two female candidates running for the position. Mayor Marty Walsh has not yet declared whether he'll run for re-election. Dorchester expert Jenn Smith gives her take on how Campbell will likely position herself in the race if Walsh is to seek re-election. As Americans wonder what will happen to the vacant Supreme Court Justice seat, many are concerned if a conservative justice is confirmed before the election, reproductive rights may be in jeopardy. Rebecca Hart Holder, executive director of NARAL Pro Choice Massachusetts joins the show to talk about what's at stake for Massachusetts if Roe v. Wade is overturned, and she explains the renewed push by pro-choice activists around passing the ROE Act.

Representative Tram Nguyen's election in 2018 brought Massachusetts one person closer to gender and racial equity in the State House, but there's so much further to go: 70% of state legislators identify as male, and only 6 legislators as women of color. Listen in to a conversation about whether the gender and racial imbalance at the top of Beacon Hill makes it possible or impossible to pass the ROE Act this session. Rep. Nguyen's successful strategy in wining in 2018 was to put her authentic self out to voters, and she has remained true to this approach in her tenure and in her current campaign. What can ROE supporters learn from Rep Nguyen?! Photo: Deadline for action on the ROE Act has been extended to November 12th. Will the legislators act in time?

Join members of the Boston Red Cloaks in conversation with Jesse Mermell, women's rights advocate, formerly with Planned Parenthood, and current candidate for the U.S. Congress. Learn about prior legislative efforts to repeal archaic laws in Massachusetts, and hear Mermell's advice to those working to pass the ROE Act. Why does Mermell believe we have the votes and will ultimately win the day? Listen in and find out. More about Mermell: www.jessemermell.com

Representative Tram Nguyen flipped a MA legislative seat in 2018, defeating the anti-choice leader of the MA Republican party. Her victory secured one more champion of the ROE Act, and she is determined to help it pass, while also securing the resources her constituents need on many fronts. Listen in on her reflections after serving as one of six women of color at the State House. Photo: Boston Commons January 2019 / same month the ROE Act was launched

Escucha el primer podcast en español de Red Cloaks Radio. Te presentamos a Michael Mecenas, un traductor médico además de ser terapeuta de salud mental. El es el candidato para Representate en el Gobierno Estatal. Michael nos explica cómo su experiencia personal y profesional cambia tu forma de pensar y convertirte en un promotor del Roe Act. Escucha más sobre la urgencia de aprobar el Roe Act, y cómo tú fe, tú conocimiento de la medicina además de la compasión, te ayuda a ser un campeón para que no sea abolida. www.electmichaelmecenas.com Listen in as the Red Cloaks have their first podcast in Spanish. Meet Michael Mecenas, a medical interpreter and mental health professional, and learn more about the urgency of passing the ROE Act. Mecenas is also running for a seat at the table in the State House. How does personal and professional experience play a role in becoming a champion for the ROE Act? Tune in. Learn more about Michael Mecenas, the role of faith, medicine and compassion: www.electmichaelmecenas.com

Listen in on a conversation with Michael Mecenas, medical interpreter and mental health professional. Mecenas is also running for a seat at the table in the State House. How does personal and professional experience play a role in becoming a champion for the ROE Act? Tune in. Learn more about Michael Mecenas, the role of faith, medicine and compassion: www.electmichaelmecenas.com

What's the difference between a doctor and a judge when it comes to informing a pregnant person's decision-making? How does a medical professional view the ROE Act? What would make a doctor step up to run for Congress? Join members of the Red Cloaks and special guests for a conversation with Robbie Goldstein. Learn how his work as a primary care physician, and the founder and medical director of the Transgender Health Program at Massachusetts General Hospital informs his take on the ROE Act. Learn more about Robbie at: robbieforchange.com.

Ihssane Leckey joins members of the Boston Red Cloaks the day after she was critiqued by Fox News anchor Tucker Carlson - so don't miss her response in the last sixty seconds. Listen in to an exceptionally open conversation about the life experiences that frame Leckey's policy perspectives, support for the ROE Act, her experience testifying, and her decision to run for congress. Leckey is running to fill the seat vacated by Joe Kennedy, and, interestingly, she decided to run against him before he withdrew. Learn about her vision for the future. Website: ihssane.org

Listen in as members of the Boston Red Cloaks and guests meet up with candidate Christina Eckert to discuss the upcoming Massachusetts September primaries, the November general, and why she decided to run. Consider whether passage of the ROE Act is dependent upon flipping seats, and who helps support women when they step up to run? Learn more: www.eckertforrep.com

Join members of the Boston Red Cloaks and special guests as they set out a plan to follow progress on the ROE Act during an extended legislative session. There is a new deadline to move the ROE Act out of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary: November 12, 2020. With 15 weeks ahead, listen in as they consider strategies to support passage of the ROE Act - including following upcoming primary races - broadcasting the barriers currently in place in the Commonwealth - and growing a stronger network of informed voters.

July 31, 2020 was set to be the bottom of the ninth for the Massachusetts legislative session. Back in June, when the Boston Red Cloaks launched their countdown podcast, no one anticipated the session might be extended. Extension means there is still a chance to pass the ROE Act, but it also means that the ROE Act was not considered a legislative priority for 19 months. Listen in as co-hosts reflect and consider whether to follow the #ROEAct into extra innings.

Listen in on a conversation about women's rights, bravery, and the ROE Act with Ceylan Rowe, candidate for State Representative in the 12th Worcester District (representing Berlin, Boylston, Clinton, Lancaster, Northborough, and Sterling).

With three days remaining in the legislative session, we sat down with Carole D. from the "Bad Old Days Posse" to gather her reflections on progress made in obtaining reproductive justice since the 1960s when abortion was illegal and unsafe. Turning to the present, our conversation included thoughts about the work ahead, strategies to pass the ROE Act, and topics from hangers to handmaids.

With five days remaining in the legislative session, listen in as the Red Cloaks interview Olivia Santoro, Community Outreach Strategist with the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts. Over the past 18 months, Santoro has worked with lead partners at NARAL and Planned Parenthood Advocacy of Massachusetts to grow a coalition that includes 80 endorsing organizations across the Commonwealth. Will the movement be strong enough to pass the ROE Act?

With continued silence on the ROE Act from the Judiciary Committee, and only 9 days remaining in the session, meet Teresa English, candidate in Billerica. She is running against an incumbent Representative who has earned an "F" for his anti-choice stance, and he firmly opposes the ROE Act. Find out why English - a veteran and teacher - could earn an "A" for Massachusetts.

Join a conversation with State Representative Michelle Ciccolo to review civic engagement challenges presented by COVID. Explore strategies to foster legislator-constituent connections to help support passage of the ROE Act. Consider the current legislative landscape from the perspective of a representative serving in her first term at an unprecedented time. Hear reflections on postcards, texts, calls and form emails.

After 18 months advocating for passage of the ROE Act, listen in as advocates discuss the remaining 18 days with Kate Froehlich, MDiv, MSW, Membership and Organizing Manager at NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts. What lessons can be learned from the recent passage of H4818 "An Act to Reduce Racial Inequities in Maternal Health"? What can be learned from the repeated failures of the legislature to pass the Healthy Youth Act? What education do legislators need, and how can constituents help?

Sit in on a conversation with Kate Froehlich, MDiv, MSW, Membership and Organizing Manager at NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts. Kate walks through the advocacy timeline of the ROE Act, going back to the State House launch in January 2019. Community organizers and advocates share reflections from key events. Photo: Boston Red Cloaks at Massachusetts State House PC: JR

Join the conversation with Erika Uyterhoeven, co-founder of Act On Mass, and candidate for Massachusetts State Representative in Somerville (27th Middlesex). How can we track which state Senators and Representatives are champions of choice or champions of the ROE Act? What barriers are in place that make it difficult for residents & officials to follow State House activity? What are some possible solutions? Consider whether government transparency is achieved by existing session rules, and what might change in the future.

Join a conversation about health education and what motivates someone to work with high school students. What perspectives do educators learn from their students? How does the experience inform views about the ROE Act?

Teen voices on health education, doctors, reproduction, and a realistic take on the impacts of COVID-19. Have things changed since you went to high school? What is the outlook for teens if the ROE Act doesn't pass?

Share reflections on teens and health education as the Boston Red Cloaks count down the remaining days of the legislative session. In Massachusetts, before teens may end a pregnancy, they must obtain parental permission or permission from a judge. The ROE Act would allow teens to visit a doctor instead.

State Representative Tami Gouveia joins in a conversation and shares perspective from the State House. Learn more about how individual representatives work with committees, how legislation moves from the introductory phase to the floor, and take a closer look at intersectionality and public health impacts of the ROE Act.

How do family experiences frame our perception of abortion and influence our actions in support of reproductive rights? How are men's perceptions about women, abortion, and family influenced? How do men, in turn, influence the effort to pass the ROE Act?

The U.S. Supreme Court announces decision in June Medical Services LLC v. Russo. Are we celebrating? Relieved? Breaking down the decision, we find common threads between a dissent and definitions in the existing Massachusetts laws which regulate abortion. The proposed ROE Act would update Massachusetts laws to reflect accurate medical science - if our legislators take action.

It is June 28, 2020 and the United States Supreme Court is expected to announce their decision in the matter of June Medical Services LLC v. Russo. Losing sleep over this? Wondering how it will impact Massachusetts legislators as they decide whether to bring the ROE Act to the floor for a vote? How does COVID-19 impact this? Listen in . . .

Episode 2. It is June 18, 2020 and a year has passed since the Joint Judiciary Committee held a public hearing on the ROE Act. Since that date, people have called and visited their legislators, and coordinated expansive postcarding efforts to help raise awareness of the pending legislation. Learn more about the grassroots effort to sent 16,000+ postcards to voters.

Episode 1. It is June 17, 2020 and the Massachusetts legislative session is scheduled to close July 31 -- in 44 days. The question remains: "Will they or won't they pass the ROE ACT to secure reproductive rights in the Commonwealth?" Listen in to a lively conversation as activists and concerned residents recap progress on the ROE Act since it was first introduced in January 2019.

1/23/20--On Tuesday night, Governor Charlie Baker delivered his annual State of the Commmonwealth address, promising aggressive action to address climate change, a partnership with vocational schools and, in a breakaway from his usual stance, additional funding for the MBTA to the tune of $135 million. Stepping right into the chaos of Budget Day, Steve and Jenn drop by the State House to grill reporter and BFF of the pod Katie Lannan about what's inside the proposed state budget. Later, Rebecca Hart Holder, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts, discusses the status of the ROE Act as well as the national threats to the landmark reproductive rights decision Roe v. Wade, which celebrates its 47th anniversary this week.

A co-sponsor of the ROE Act, aimed at expanding abortion rights in Massachusetts, Northampton state Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa talks about the legislation, what it does, and how likely it might be to pass during this session. Sabadosa was one of the people who spoke to reporter Luis Fieldman for his recent story on the ROE Act.

Matt Murphy talks about where Beacon Hill stands on the ROE Act abortion access bill, Katie Lannan looks ahead to the Legislature's agenda for the rest of the summer, and Colin A. Young looks ahead two days to the much-anticipated opening of the Encore Boston Harbor casino.

6/19/2019--Another week, another conversation about the Red Line. Jenn has given up any and all expectations of trains showing up on time (or at all). She and Steve discuss the various responses by public officials about whether the slated July 1st MBTA rate hike should happen before the Red Line service improves. Mayor Marty Walsh says no. Steve, who's been keeping an eye on the citizenship question for the 2020 Census, provides some updates, and Jenn sits down with Senator Sonia Chang-Diaz to discuss education funding and the status of the PROMISE Act. Finally, MassINC Polling Group and Western Mass Bureau Chief Rich Parr chats with Senator Jo Comerford about representation diversity, transportation that extends beyond the Hub, and the ROE Act. Think you know the answer to this week's trivia question? Tweet us your answer @The_HorseRace or send an email to thehorseracepodcast@gmail.com.

What a week it has been! In this episode, Lori and Denise have the latest from the Mueller corner and Trump's not-so-new immigration deal. They unearth the "legislative graveyard," discuss the latest state to ban the death penalty, and chat about a new center at a Boston hospital that is tackling gun prevention. Massachusetts State Senator Cindy Friedman joins the podcast to talk about the opioid crisis, her fight for mental health access, and the latest attack on women's reproductive rights. In this week's Political Pill, Denise looks at legislation that has capped out-of-pocket payments for a widely used drug. Political PillTip our cap to youShow Notes Full text: Watergate's John Dean gives statement on potential Trump obstructionNYT: Mexico agreed to take border actions months before Trump announced tariff dealBoston Globe: Forged in pain, new Mass. General gun violence center aims at preventionRoe Actcindyfriedman.orgSong Credit: Ikson - Last Summer (Vlog Music No Copyright)Music promoted by Vlog Music No CopyrightVideo Link: youtu.be/rX7kAmlkKMw

Now that Brett Kavanaugh is on the U.S. Supreme Court, filling a seat that could have been occupied by Merrick Garland, there's a real chance that Roe v. Wade — the landmark Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion — will be overturned. As red states try to force the issue by passing a bevy of restrictive new laws, blue states are moving in the opposite direction, passing legislation aimed at consolidating and expanding abortion rights. Case in point: Massachusetts, where a bill dubbed the ROE Act gets a State House hearing on Monday, June 17. Still, despite the Commonwealth's progressive reputation, the bill's passage hardly a sure thing. Among other things, it's received a cool reception from Governor Charlie Baker, who says he doesn't support late-term abortions (which would be easier to obtain if the ROE Act becomes law) and that Massachusetts women are already protected in the event of a Roe v. Wade reversal. Adam Reilly and Peter Kadzis dig into the ROE Act's details — and its political prospects — with two key supporters: State Senate President Emerita Harriette Chandler, who filed the bill, and Rebecca Hart Holder, the executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts.

Yael, Sam, and Becky discuss their evolving views on pot, parenting, and athleisure. Special guest Gena Frank, Legislative and Political Director for NARAL Pro-Choice Massachusetts, joins for an insightful conversation about the ROE Act, common myths about abortion, and the fight for reproductive justice in the Trump era. To volunteer with NARAL, visit: http://bit.ly/NPCMvol --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/audacityofnope/support

Today on Boston Public Radio: We opened up the lines and asked our listeners: Is it time to get rid of the SAT? Trenni Kusnierek, NBC Sports Boston anchor and reporter, examined the debate over putting up netting in baseball stadiums to protect fans from being hit by foul balls. Carol Rose, executive director of ACLU of Massachusetts, discussed the ROE Act and other efforts to protect abortion access in the state. The Boston Globe’s travel writer, Christopher Muther, told us about his favorite new travel destination: a cat sanctuary in Hawaii. Sue O’Connell, host of NECN’s “The Take,” looked at the legacy of the Stonewall Riots 50 years on. CNN’s John King, host of “Inside Politics,” shared the latest national news. We opened up the lines and asked you about whether airlines should get rid of carry-on bags to make it easier for people to evacuate planes in case of emergencies.

5/22/2019--Fresh off a weekend nerding out on polling at the American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) Conference, Steve is joined by a good friend of the pod to recount the insights they gained there. Steve and Maeve Duggan, Research Director for the MassINC Polling Group, discuss how 2019 and 2020 elections polls will be conducted. Later, Matt Murphy of the State House News Service drops by to discuss the ROE Act, introduced by Senate President Emerita Harriette Chandler and House Speaker Pro Tempore Patricia Haddad, which would guarantee a right to abortion in state law, with some specific language around allowing abortions later in pregnancy in cases when the fetus is unlikely to survive after birth. To close things out, Boston Globe reporter Vicki McGrane makes an appearance to discuss the recently announced challenge to Ed Markey's senate seat. Shannon Liss-Riordan, a high-profile labor rights attorney, announced in a campaign video on Monday that she is running against the 72-year-old Markey, who has served in office since 1976. #MAPoli friends, don't forget to register for our live event: The Horse Race Goes to the Races! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-horse-race-live-at-the-races-tickets-60936755476 And, as always, we want to hear from YOU! Send us your #MAPoli questions, frustrations and ruminations to thehorseracepodcast@gmail.com or on Twitter @The_HorseRace.

We’re on site at City Hall with the 94th President of the Massachusetts Senate, Harriette L. Chandler, in the room where she got her political start as a member of the Worcester School Committee in 1991. Chandler went on to become the second woman in Massachusetts history to serve as Majority Leader and also as Senate President. At age 81, she has never lost an election. We discuss the ROE Act as well as her transition from SP, which she says was not at all like Joan Vennochi described it in the Boston Globe last year when she wrote, “Men might have settled this with a heart-to-heart stroll around the Hooker statue. Instead, Chandler and Spilka are fighting over the timing of a baton pass like bargain-hunters battling over a markdown at Filene’s Basement.” Yuck. We also talk Oscars. Photos by Unity Mike.