Episode 5: Conversation with Doctoral Researcher and Practitioner of Civil Society, Kourtney Woodbury

In the special episode, we speak to Kourtney Woodbury who describes how the impact of the United State's Supreme Court decision to strike down Roe vs. Wade will affect communities of colour. Kourtney speaks to us about how Roe vs. Wade removes a women’s right to choose what is good for her own body and how this lack of choice impacts their ability to be a full citizen within the United States. Kourtney through her work with Planned Parenthood and as an advocate for young girls describes how this court decision will have adverse effects on Black and Brown women who are currently at risk for the most adverse pregnancy outcomes. She reminds listeners that the United States currently has the highest maternal mortality rate in the developed world and that due to racist practices in medicine, black women face more challenges accessing the healthcare they need. Kourtney underscores the intersectionality of race and sex as it plays out in the healthcare space and within communities of colour. Through her prior work as an advocate for students in challenging environments, Kourtney highlights the obstacles that young girls face in schools in contrast to their male counterparts. Lastly, she discusses the important work that organizations like Planned Parenthood do outside of performing abortions that provide necessary medical care for many in low communities.

This episode is hosted by Kamille Beye, together with Stella Mi-cheong Cheong.

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• List of Status of Abortion Bans in the States (Here’s the latest (as of July 6 at 5 pm ET) – Planned Parenthood is publicly saying that ELEVEN states have abortion bans in effect):

1. AL: Total ban
2. AR: Total ban
3. FL: 15-week ban
4. MO: Total ban
5. OH: 6-week ban
6. OK: 6-week and total ban
7. SC: 6-week ban
8. SD: Total ban
9. TN: 6-week ban
10. TX: Total ban
11. UT: 18-week ban

• Check out abortionfinder.org for the latest information on Planned Parenthood and independent abortion provider service status.

• List of further readings

1. History of Roe, PP vs. Casey, JWHO and Dobbs Decisions is available at https://nwlc.org/resource/roe-v-wade-and-the-right-to-abortion/
2. Texas SB 8 bill is available at: https://legiscan.com/TX/text/SB8/id/2395961/Texas-2021-SB8-Enrolled.html
3. Planned Parenthood Clergy Advocacy Council information is available at https://www.plannedparenthood.org/about-us/newsroom/press-releases/new-faith-leaders-join-planned-parenthood-clergy-advocacy-board-to-advocate-for-sexual-and-reproductive-health-care-access
4. KS Constitutional Amendment information is available here

• List of selected websites

1. Planned Parenthood supportive videos are available at How to Talk About Abortion featuring Taraji P. Henson | Planned Parenthood Video

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