I am delighted to be joined by Mara to talk about ‘obstetric violence’. This is such an important topic, highlighting the violence and abuse women experience in relation to pregnancy, labour and delivery.

Mara defines obstetric violence as:

‘a form of misogynist violence and oppression that controls, takes away or submits the women’s autonomy in the decision making over their reproductive system. And from which a hierarchical power is built in which any abuse, mistreatment or humiliation is justified, protected and promoted by an anti-woman and anti-mother patriarchal ideology.’

Mara (Jesusa) Ricoy Olariaga also known as Matriactivista is a birth educator, activist, radical feminist, poet, writer and medical interpreter. She funded the global movement The Roses Revolution and has published 3 books in Spanish about feminism, birth and its representation in media and movies. She is also a mother of three children. Find Mara on social media: matriactivista.

If you have been effected by any of the issues raised in this video, find further information and support here.

Julie Bindle interviews me about my research

Early in January 2023, Julie Bindle and I met online to record an interview about my research for Julie’s substack site. During the interview we talked about the fact that abortion is still illegal in Britain, that vulnerable women are criminalisation for ending their own pregnancies, crisis pregnancies, the Infanticide Act, and what can be done to stop this injustice for women.

I’ve been a huge admirer of Julies for a long time, so it was an absolute honour to speak with her about these important issues. Her work fighting for women’s rights is commendable.

The interview was turned into a podcast that can be listened to here or on your podcast provider of choice.

In March 2020 the UK Government introduced temporary measures to allow women to access earl medical abortions at home without needing to go to a clinic. This service needs to be made permanent. In this video I outline what telemedical abortion is, why it needs to become permanent, and the risks for women if at-home abortions are revoked.

Find out more about the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) campaign Care Not Criminalisation.

If you are pregnant and you need help and support, including advice about abortion, then contact the British Pregnancy Advisory Service or MSI Reproductive Choices UK.