The conversation covers the safety and efficacy of medication abortion (MAB), the dangerous junk science being used to justify restrictive legislation like House Bill 324, and the broader implications of governmental intrusion into the patient-physician relationship. Dr. Kumar explains why mifepristone is safer than common medications like penicillin and Tylenol, while Danielle breaks down the flawed "study" at the heart of current anti-abortion bills. Together, they call on listeners to take action, share their stories, and hold elected officials accountable—because the fight for reproductive freedom is far from over.

Key Topics Discussed:

What is medication abortion? An overview of mifepristone and misoprostol.

The safety profile of medication abortion: serious adverse effects occur in less than 1% of cases.

How medication abortion differs from emergency contraception (Plan B).

The Hollis Anderson report: the single, discredited, non-peer-reviewed study fueling anti-mifepristone legislation.

Why the study counts ER visits as "serious adverse events" regardless of the actual reason for the visit.

House Bill 324: targeting not just mifepristone but potentially SSRIs and other medications.

The "MAHA" caucus and the attack on vaccines, SSRIs, and ivermectin.

The absurdity of the ivermectin bill: a lawmaker admitting to smuggling the drug from Mexico for cancer treatment.

The reproductive freedom amendment: passed by 57% of Ohio voters in 2023—and still under attack.

Why legislative interference in medicine leads to increased morbidity and mortality.

Practical actions listeners can take: contact committee chairs, submit testimony, show up at the Statehouse.

Guest Information:

Lauren Blauvelt, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio

Danielle Firsich, Director of Public Policy, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio

Dr. Bhavik Kumar, Chief Medical Officer, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio

Website: plannedparenthoodaction.org

Take action links in episode description

Relevant Links:

https://www.weareplannedparenthoodaction.org/a/stop-hb-324

With a combined four decades of organizing experience, Marion and Taylor break down the devastating effects of defunding—including $8 million in lost Medicaid reimbursement and multiple health center closures—and introduce the CARE Continues campaign. This initiative goes beyond traditional advocacy, centering community care, mutual aid, and relationship-building as core strategies for resilience and long-term power building. They share insights on constituency-based organizing, the power of storytelling, and how anyone—regardless of experience—can find their place in this movement.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The real-world impact of defunding Planned Parenthood in Ohio: lost revenue, health center closures, and reduced access to care.
• Why a diverse, multi-tactic approach is essential to countering authoritarian governance.
• Introduction to the CARE Continues campaign: community forums combining resource fairs, small group discussions, and direct action.
• The power of mutual aid and care kits (menstrual, safer sex, gender-affirming, and new parent kits) as both a service and an organizing tool.
• The importance of constituency-based organizing through programs like Black Organizing, PP Generation Action (youth), and RISE (Latine community).
• Taylor's personal story of getting involved as a student after the 2016 election and how it shaped her career.
• How storytelling humanizes issues and connects directly to legislative advocacy.
• Opportunities for volunteers: from attending forums to hosting their own packing parties.
• A call to action: contact Senators Husted and Moreno, attend the Columbus (Feb 18) or Cleveland (March) events, and text CARE to 22422 to get involved.

Guest Information:

• Marion, Assistant Vice President of Data and Advocacy, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio
• Taylor, Organizing and Field Director, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio
• Website: plannedparenthoodaction.org
• Text CARE to 22422 to protect Medicaid and Planned Parenthood in Ohio
• Attend a CARE Continues event: Columbus – February 18 | Cleveland – March (date TBD)

We break down the corrupt redistricting process in plain English, revealing how "packing" and "cracking" voters with high-tech precision leads to unaccountable politicians and extreme policies that the majority of Ohioans don't support. Learn how gerrymandering directly led to the loss of abortion rights in Ohio and why lawmakers feel empowered to ignore their constituents.

Discover:

-The shocking reality of Ohio's "unconstitutional" congressional maps and how they violate the state's own constitution.

-The direct link between gerrymandering and the loss of reproductive freedom, Medicaid funding, and public education cuts.

-How politicians use deceitful tactics, including lying on the ballot, to maintain their power.

-The 2025 redistricting fight happening NOW and why this mid-cycle redraw is a critical moment for democracy.

-Practical steps you can take to demand fair maps and hold mapmakers accountable.

If you care about voting rights, abortion access, fair elections, and holding politicians accountable, this conversation is a must-watch.

Keywords: gerrymandering, redistricting, Ohio politics, fair districts, Common Cause, voting rights, democracy, election reform, congressional maps, Ohio redistricting commission, political corruption, abortion access, reproductive rights, voter suppression, civic engagement, political accountability, fair elections, Princeton Gerrymandering Project.

TAKE ACTION NOW:

Volunteer with us: www.PlannedParenthoodAdvocatesOhio.org

Follow us for updates: @PPAOOhio on social media

Donate to support the fight: PlannedParenthoodAction.org

This episode is a raw, honest look at the emotional and physical reality of pregnancy loss, from the pain of seeing other pregnancies progress to the insensitive treatment in hospital settings. We also tackle the critical issue of racial disparities in maternal and infant health, and how policy decisions are creating "maternity care deserts" that put lives at risk.

In this episode, you will hear:

-Deeply personal stories of multiple pregnancy losses and the unique grief of "losing dreams."

-Why it's crucial to destigmatize these conversations and allow space for joy and grief.

-The shocking statistics on Black infant and maternal mortality and the systemic racism embedded in healthcare.

-How restrictive policies and low Medicaid reimbursements are causing maternity wards to close, limiting access to critical care.

-Practical steps we can take to advocate for change and support those experiencing loss.

If you have experienced pregnancy loss, know someone who has, or are a healthcare provider looking to offer more compassionate care, this conversation offers validation, community, and a path toward healing and action.

Keywords: pregnancy loss, miscarriage, infant loss, grief, healing, maternal health, Black maternal mortality, infant mortality, Planned Parenthood, pregnancy after loss, D&C, reproductive justice, healthcare disparities, mental health, patient advocacy, breaking the silence, personal stories, women's health, postpartum, neonatal loss.

TAKE ACTION NOW:

Volunteer with us: www.PlannedParenthoodAdvocatesOhio.org

Follow us for updates: @PPAOOhio on social media

Donate to support the fight: PlannedParenthoodAction.org

This conversation is essential for anyone in Ohio and across the nation concerned about reproductive rights, healthcare access, bodily autonomy, and democratic integrity. Understanding the strategy of the opposition is key to building a lasting defense.

Reproductive Rights #AbortionAccess #Issue1 #OhioPolitics #RoeVWade #PlannedParenthood #BodilyAutonomy #WomensRights #Healthcare #ProChoice #FetalPersonhood #IVF #Litigation #OhioSupremeCourt #Advocacy #Grassroots

In this urgent episode, we break down what the passage of the Ohio Reproductive Freedom Amendment (Issue 1) really meant and the relentless legal and legislative attacks it still faces. We discuss the crucial court victories that have expanded access, like blocking the six-week abortion ban and the 24-hour waiting period, and why the fight is far from over against a hostile state government and Ohio Supreme Court.

KEY TOPICS WE COVER:

The real-world impact of overturning Roe v. Wade in Ohio

How a powerful coalition won Issue 1 in a historic 2023 election

The current litigation landscape: wins, appeals, and the threat of a conservative supreme court

Legislative attacks in 2024-2025, including HB 347 (24-hour wait reinstatement) and HB 370 (fetal personhood bill)

The dangerous rise of disinformation and criminalization of patients and providers

The vital importance of the September 16th hearing and ongoing voter mobilization

How redistricting and fair maps are essential to protecting reproductive rights

TAKE ACTION NOW:

Volunteer with us: www.PlannedParenthoodAdvocatesOhio.org

Follow us for updates: @PPAOOhio on social media

Donate to support the fight: PlannedParenthoodAction.org

This conversation is essential for anyone in Ohio and across the nation concerned about reproductive rights, healthcare access, bodily autonomy, and democratic integrity. Understanding the strategy of the opposition is key to building a lasting defense.

Reproductive Rights #AbortionAccess #Issue1 #OhioPolitics #RoeVWade #PlannedParenthood #BodilyAutonomy #WomensRights #Healthcare #ProChoice #FetalPersonhood #IVF #Litigation #OhioSupremeCourt #Advocacy #Grassroots

Key Topics & Timestamps

0:00–2:23 | Introduction: The $20M Ohio budget giveaway to CPCs—and zero accountability.

2:23–7:12 | What Are CPCs? Fake clinics with names like “Women’s Pregnancy Decision Center” staffed by volunteers (not medical professionals). No HIPAA compliance, no medical records, and a clear anti-abortion agenda.

10:45–20:50 | Sheena uncovers what happens to patients when CPCs make them miss real appointments.Fake ultrasounds (including showing a "pregnancy" when Sheena had an IUD!). Fear-mongering pamphlets claiming birth control causes cancer and death.

20:50–23:36 | Medical Dangers if CPCs misdiagnose ectopic pregnancies, risking lives. “They’re not trying to provide better care—they’re trying to avoid lawsuits.”

27:20–30:59 | Follow the Money - Ohio GOP funnels millions to CPCs (*$10M/year*) while slashing funds to Medicaid and public schools. CPC donors get $750 tax breaks

30:59–end | How to Fight Back

Volunteer with Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio or Abortion Forward.

Share this episode to expose CPC lies.

Donate to PPAO to support abortion rights advocacy.

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Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio supports reproductive health and reproductive rights advocacy, including grassroots organizing, community education, and lobbying.

www.ppao.org

In this episode, Lauren Blauvelt (Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio) is joined by Dr. Bhavik Kumar (Chief Medical Officer at Planned Parenthood Great Ohio) and Erica Wilson-Domer (President & CEO of Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio) to discuss the looming threat to Medicaid expansion in Ohio. A recently passed budget bill could strip healthcare coverage from 800,000 Ohioans, disproportionately impacting low-wage workers, students, and people with disabilities—groups often misrepresented in political debates. The speakers dismantle myths about Medicaid recipients, noting that many are employed or rely on the program for long-term care, not "handouts."

The conversation highlights the cascading effects of Medicaid cuts: reduced access to preventive care (like cancer screenings and STI testing) would force more people into emergency rooms, straining hospitals and driving up costs for everyone. The panel also pushes back against misinformation about Planned Parenthood, clarifying that federal funds do not pay for abortions but instead support critical services like contraception and chronic disease management.

A urgent call to action closes the discussion: listeners are encouraged to contact their representatives—particularly Ohio’s Republican senators—to oppose the cuts. The panel stresses that healthcare is a human right, and protecting Medicaid is both an economic and moral imperative. The episode ends with a rallying cry for collective advocacy to ensure equitable access for future generations.

Laws are changing. Your rights are under attack. But the movement is rising. We're bringing you real talk on policy, power, and how YOU can take action - because the future of reproductive freedom depends on all of us.