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Welcome to the rePRO Film Periodical – featuring a mission-aligned short film of the month and accompanying podcast conversation. The Periodical is generously underwritten so that our monthly curation is FREE and available for anyone to take part in.
VOLUME 6, Part 1:
THE FIGHT OF OUR LIVES
The Supreme Court appears poised to overturn Roe vs. Wade any moment now, so we knew we wanted to talk about abortion this month. But if we’re being completely honest, we already feel kind of exhausted at the prospect of millions of Americans losing their bodily autonomy. Maybe you can relate.
The antidote to our ennui? Stories about the activists who came before us and those fighting now to preserve the right to choose. This month’s short film, “Undue Burdens,” links those groups in a documentary spanning decades of activism. If you’re feeling despondent, you owe it to yourself to watch — it’s a heaping dose of inspiration in a 30-minute package.
Meanwhile, rePRO is growing! You may have noticed our fab new look, courtesy of designer Meghan Wolfe. We’re also happy to welcome impact strategist Rebecca Sosa and social media manager Alex Sgambati to the rePRO crew. This powerhouse duo will help us get the word out about the work we’re doing at the intersection of film and reproductive justice. You can learn more about them on our website.
VOLUME 6, Part 2:
WITHOUT BODILY AUTONOMY, WE AREN’T FREE.
We knew last Friday’s ruling was coming, but that doesn’t make it hurt any less.
Across the U.S., people are grappling with this new reality: Abortion care is rapidly disappearing from many parts of the country. But if you’ve been following rePRO, you know that many people were already struggling to access abortion services. Since long before 1973’s landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, activists have worked to fill in the gaps, providing emotional support, travel assistance, and abortion services to people in need.
In this moment, we need to follow their lead and support their work. You can start by watching June’s short film “Undue Burdens,” then listen to the Periodical Podcast interview with filmmaker Andrea Raby and Marie Khan, director of operations for the Midwest Access Coalition.
In our home state of Kansas, we’re gearing up for an Aug. 2 ballot referendum that would open the door to anti-abortion legislation. It’s an ugly battle and we’re doing what we can to help spread the word for choice. We the people have a say. Which reminds us – if you haven’t registered to vote yet, make sure to check the deadlines in your state.
It’s also OK to disconnect from the news and take care of yourself. This is going to be one hell of a fight, and we’ll need all the self-love and strength we can muster.
In Solidarity,
The rePRO Team
Periodical Podcast Bonus Episode: Why WE’RE Here
Meet some of the rePRO Team
Get to know us a little better in this bonus podcast episode: A few members of the rePRO team got together to talk about why we do this work. Hear from co-founders Lela Meadow-Conner and Mallory Martin, podcast host Asha Dahya, programmer Neha Aziz, and copywriter Emily Christensen.
(Recorded prior to June 24, 2022.)
“We’re all from all across the country. We’re from all different walks of life and different lived experiences, different ages … (we’re in) different parts of our lives. And I think that it’s so important that rePRO never is a singular vision. It is all of us..”
— Lela Meadow-Conner
The RePRO Period Podcast Episode 6: Andrea Raby and Marie Khan in conversation with Asha Dahya
In this bracing conversation, “Undue Burdens” director/producer Andrea Raby and Marie Khan, director of operations for Midwest Access Coalition break down what each of us can do to preserve abortion access and why wearing Handmaid costumes and wielding wire hangers isn’t helpful.
Some loving reminders about language
This Instagram carousel from Apiary for Practical Support is a quick and handy guide to what not to say when expressing support for abortion rights. “Camping,” Handmaids, wire hangers and more: Let’s be thoughtful, clear and inclusive as we communicate about the need for universal access to abortion care.
Where do we go from here?
The Dobbs decision prompted many media leaders to tell journalists to keep their opinions to themselves. One notable exception is Memphis-based nonprofit newsroom MLK50. In this letter from the editor, Adrienne Johnson Martin explains why she runs a pro-choice newsroom: “I mean, there just aren’t two sides. ‘We support bodily autonomy and being free to make choices as you and your doctor see fit.’ On abortion, as humans, that’s where we start.”
(MLK50)
What abortion looks like in every state — right now
This invaluable, continually updated resource summarizes current abortion laws across the U.S., aggregates the latest news, and even includes a handy glossary of terms. And can we just say how much we love The 19th? Visit for the easy-to-understand infographics, stay for the comprehensive reproductive health coverage.
(The 19th)
6 Ways to Fight for Abortion Rights After Roe
In this bracing piece, Katha Pollit lists a range of practical next steps to shore up abortion access in a post-Roe world. “[D]on’t let yourself feel pre-defeated,” she writes. “We can win this eventually, but despair will make it harder.” Write it on a Post-It note, because the sentiment is too important to forget.
Half of States Set to Ban Abortion Have No Sex Ed Requirements
Comprehensive sex ed is correlated with significantly lower rates of teen pregnancy, yet many states likely to ban abortion don’t require it. The consequences are obvious: “[W]e’re going to have a lot of people turning to unreliable sources of information,” says one sex educator. This is a reminder that education is key to reproductive justice.
(The 74)
Texting for Reproductive Justice
Mohini Lal spends her weekends catching up on work, parenting her children — and “helping people get abortions.” She’s a volunteer for Texas Equal Access Fund’s text message hotline, a critical resource as Texas’ abortion laws tighten. This portrait of practical activism pairs well with this month’s film selection, and text-based volunteerism is an excellent alternative for folks who want to fit some activism into their busy lives.
Through film and conversation, rePRO advocates for reproductive health, justice, and bodily autonomy. We lift intersectional issues, using the power of storytelling as a catalyst for knowledge, intention, and action.
