But for women in states where abortion is illegal or restricted, accessing abortion medication can still be a challenge. That’s where the underground network in Greater Boston comes in, providing support and resources to help women in need.
As the abortion debate continues to rage on, college students are stepping up to advocate for reproductive rights and access to safe and legal abortion. Through events like pill-packing parties, they are making a difference in the lives of women across the country.
Stay tuned for more episodes of College Uncovered, where we explore the issues facing college students today and how they are taking action to create positive change in their communities.
[Andrea] Andy is a college student from Texas who volunteers with the MAP, helping to fulfill orders for abortion pills. Despite the risks involved, Andy is passionate about helping people access the care they need, especially in states like Texas where abortion access is severely restricted.
[Andy] I know firsthand how difficult it can be to access abortion care in Texas, and I am proud to be able to help provide support to those who need it. The work we do at the MAP is making a real difference in people’s lives, and I am grateful to be a part of it.
[Andrea] The MAP continues to operate quietly, providing vital support to those in need while navigating the complex legal landscape surrounding abortion access. Despite the risks involved, the dedication of its volunteers and employees is unwavering, driven by a shared commitment to ensuring that everyone has access to safe and affordable abortion care.
[Kristan Hawkins] Thank you all for coming to tonight’s event. My name is Sam Delmar. I’m the president of the Harvard Law Students for Life. And it’s my honor to introduce Kristan Hawkins.
[Kristan Hawkins] I prepared a little with something because, you know, I’m at Harvard Law and you all tend to remind each other and others that you go to Harvard. So I was, like, I got to step up my game a little bit. I’m a bumpkin from West Virginia. I did want to go to law school until I met a bunch of lawyers. No offense.
[Kristan Hawkins] I had an abortion. Abortion didn’t solve the problem I thought it was going to solve. It kept me in an abusive relationship. It hurt my body. It’s made me infertile. I’ve been suffering from abortion for decades emotionally because of that decision I made when I was 20 years old.
[Kristan Hawkins] Every single abortion is killing, ending the life of a unique whole living human being that never existed before and will never exist again. We in the pro-life movement see all human beings as equally valuable, deserving, at the very minimum, of those natural rights of the right to life, liberty, and pursuit of happiness. Therefore, abortion is wrong.
Today, the conversation around abortion and reproductive rights on college campuses continues to evolve, with students like Harper Brannock and those at Boston College speaking out and taking action in ways that reflect their values and beliefs. The legacy of the abortion movement, from the Jane Collective to modern-day activism, serves as a reminder of the power of young people to drive social change and advocate for their rights.
As Loretta Ross notes, the fight for bodily autonomy has long been a central issue for many communities, including Black women, who have been at the forefront of advocating for reproductive justice. The intersection of religion, politics, and personal beliefs continues to shape the discourse around abortion, prompting students to consider their own values and the impact of their choices.
Whether through advocacy, education, or direct action, college students are actively engaging with the complex and nuanced issues surrounding abortion and reproductive rights, making their voices heard and working towards a more inclusive and equitable society for all.
The rhetoric surrounding abortion doesn’t always align with the data, as one third of the abortions in the country are still obtained by those who may feel ashamed about it. First ladies, including Melania Trump, have expressed support for women making their own decisions about their bodies. Loretta Ross believes the Republican Party prioritizes using abortion as a political tool over actually caring about abortion bans. The battle for reproductive rights has always been fought on multiple fronts – in courts, legislatures, streets, and in providing services to the most vulnerable.
At a pill-packing party, volunteers work together to pack pills, fold boxes, and insert directions. Medical student Rasa sees this work as crucial to her training as a future OB-GYN. Retired physician Cheryl Hamlin, who previously performed abortions, continues to support the cause by informing others about the challenges faced in states with restrictive abortion laws. The group meets weekly to package supplies and send handwritten notes of support to those in need.
The group recently mailed its 5,000th package, showing their dedication to supporting individuals in need. College Uncovered, a podcast from GBH News and The Hechinger Report, covers topics related to reproductive rights and their impact on college students. The episode was produced by Andrea Asuaje and Meg Woolhouse, with reporting assistance from Diane Adame and Harriet Gaye.
The episode was edited by Jeff Keating, with supervising editor Meg Woolhouse, and executive producer Ellen London. Mixing and sound design were done by David Goodman and Gary Mott, with theme song and music by Left Roman. Mei He served as project manager, and Devin Maverick Robins as head of GBH podcasts. College Uncovered is a production of GBH News and The Hechinger Report, distributed by PRX and made possible by Lumina Foundation.
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