If you are in medical school in this country right now, it can be challenging to choose to be trained to provide safe abortions. It's scary out there. The laws are confusing. The medical profession is vast. Why choose abortion care? And I would just say anyone who has made that choice and who is seeking out a seasoned doctor who's done these procedures for longer than I've been alive to learn their craft, those are the heroes that we need more of. - Gloria Riviera

If you're feeling frustrated by the backslide in reproductive rights, then you are not alone! Despite efforts to raise awareness and advocate for change, you may be seeing restrictive laws being passed and limited access to abortion care happening all over the country. Your passion for reproductive justice may be met with resistance and backlash, leaving you feeling disheartened. But remember, your voice and actions are vital in the fight for reproductive rights, and there are others standing with you in this important battle.

My special guest is Gloria Riviera, co-host of the fantastic podcast The Defenders, which she co-host with Samantha Bee. In The Defenders, Gloria and Sam showcase their dedication to shedding light on the lengths women go to access safe reproductive care and the unsung heroes working behind the scenes to support them.

Gloria Riviera is a highly experienced correspondent and producer with a 20-year tenure at ABC News. Her extensive coverage of breaking investigative and feature stories for the network's flagship broadcasts and social media platforms, including Good Morning America, World News Tonight, Nightline, and ABC News Radio, has garnered her numerous awards, such as an Emmy and Alfred DuPont Award for her 911 coverage. With a background in covering reproductive health care and abortion rights, Gloria brings a wealth of knowledge to the conversation about the complexities of the post-Roe world.

In this episode, we:

• Unveil the layers of the abortion debate and reproductive rights.
• Navigate the complexities within the pro-choice movement.
• Explore the intersections of religion and abortion, and politics and abortion.
• Address the challenges of reclaiming language and why "abortion" needs to said more often and loudly.
• Share ways to empower all people to get involved in the fight for reproductive justice.

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