American Terrorism: Abortion Clinics on the Front Lines

On The Issues With Michele Goodwin

In this episode, we’re talking about a uniquely American form of terrorism — violence at the abortion clinic. Our episode comes as Americans grapple with the acquittal of Kyle Rittenhouse on five counts in the wake of his killing two protestors and injuring a third last year in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Meanwhile in Georgia, the fate of three men caught on camera killing Ahmaud Arbery has yet to be decided. Many are concerned about whether there is a two-tiered system of justice in the United States.
We turn to the often overlooked violence at abortion clinics. As the December oral arguments date for Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization case fast approaches, all eyes are on the Supreme Court. But we’re wondering — what’s happening at the on the ground, at clinics that provide abortions and reproductive health services where persistent, even daily violence against patients and providers goes overlooked and under-addressed?
Joining us to sort out these important matters are three special guests.

• Diane Derzis is a reproductive rights activist and the owner of Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the clinic at the center of the case that will be heard at SCOTUS in December, and the only remaining abortion clinic in Mississippi. She is also the owner of several other clinics in the south.
• Dr. Monica McLemore is a professor of nursing at the University of California, San Francisco, where she is also the co-director of the Abortion Care Training Incubator for Outstanding Nurse Scholars. Her research at the intersection of nursing and public health and policy delves into abortion, birth, human sexuality and more from a reproductive justice lens.
• Frances Kissling is an activist in the fields of religion, reproduction, and women's rights. She is currently the President of the Center for Health, Ethics and Social Policy, and was President of Catholics for Choice from 1982 until 2007. She is a visiting professor at the Instituto de Investigaciones Filosóficas at UNAM, Mexico City.

Rate and review “On the Issues with Michele Goodwin" to let us know what you think of the show! Let’s show the power of independent feminist media.
Check out this episode’s landing page at MsMagazine.com for a full transcript, links to articles referenced in this episode, further reading and ways to take action.
Tips, suggestions, pitches? Get in touch with us at [e-mail].

Support the Show.