2021 Conversation Series

The Womxn Project is proud to partner with the Louisiana Coalition for Reproductive Freedom (LCRF) this year on a series of virtual events bringing together leaders to share insight on a range of hot topics in the movement for reproductive health, rights, and justice.

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Late Fall Panel:
Beyond the Maps: Redistricting and Representation

November 16, 2021 from 12:30-2p

The fact is that the way districts are written matters – and politicians know it. In too many places the redistricting process combined with strange rules around how voters are counted means that voters don’t choose politicians – politicians choose voters in order to try to push agendas that often do not benefit health, rights or justice.

Let’s hear from experts working on fair districting and educating people about how to push back to make strides to ensure the system works for the people!

Moderator: Jessica Frankel, Louisiana Coalition for Reproductive Freedom

Panel:

– Ally Marcella, RepresentUs
– Peter Robins-Brown, Progress Louisiana
– John Marion, Common Cause Rhode Island
– Lauren Bealore, State Innovation Exchange (SiX)
– Aleks Kajstura, Prison Policy Initiative

– Cathy Duvall from Fair Representation in Redistricting Initiative

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Early Fall Panel:
Abortion Pills & Self-Managed Care: Expanded, Empowered Access & Decisions

When the abortion pill regimen was approved for use in the United States, many saw this as an opportunity to expand access to care and a chance to give people more control over how they end a pregnancy. But like other types of abortion, it has been stigmatized and limited.

Let’s hear more about current efforts to eliminate barriers to medication abortion and the challenges and opportunities of self-managed care – and of course what YOU can do to strengthen access.

Moderator: Morgan Meneses-Sheets, The Womxn Project/Steadfast Strategies

Panel:
• Erin Matson, ReproAction
• Anna Bernstein, Century Foundation
• Lynn Paltrow, National Advocates for Pregnant Women
• Michelle Erenberg, Lift Louisiana

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September Panel: Sexual Health, Reproductive Justice & Young People

Young people work hard in a movement that too often ignores their needs. We can do more and do better to support young parents, truly ensure access to the full range of reproductive options and invest in leadership and opportunities for young activists. Join The Womxn Project, the Louisiana Coalition for Reproductive Freedom (LCRF) and an impressive panel of experts to look at policies and programs that center the voices and experiences of young people in the reproductive health, rights and justice movement.

Featured speakers:

América Ramirez, the Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity & Reproductive Rights (COLOR)
Petrice Sams-Abiodun, PP Gulf Coast
Emily Bridges, Advocates for Youth
Taylor Lane, Illinois Caucus for Adolescent Health youth activist
Gabby Doyle, SIECUS
Katherine Riley, COLOR
Chasity Matthews, New Orleans Abortion Fund (NOAF)

Moderated by:
Morgan Meneses-Sheets

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August Panel: Sex IS Part of Advancing Reproductive Rights & Justice

In our work to advance reproductive rights we often avoid a pretty big part of leading empowered lives. We don’t talk about sex. We don’t talk about relationships – at least not enough. This doesn’t stop politicians from trying to limit how we live our lives our build our families or the choices we make about our bodies. Join The Womxn Project, the Louisiana Coalition for Reproductive Freedom (LCRF) and an impressive panel of experts to think about what it means to ignore sex, who it hurts and how we can push back so we control our lives – and make sure they include the fun, healthy sex lives and connections that we want!

Featured speakers:

Taissa Morimoto, National LGBTQ Task Force
Monica Edwards, URGE
Jina Dhillon, Ipas
Bella Robinson, COYOTE RI

Moderated by:
Stephanie Olarte, The Womxn Project/CaneIWalk

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July Panel: Info and Options in Crisis: Exposing & Pushing Back on Fake Clinics

Crisis pregnancy centers are fake clinics that lie to, shame and intentionally mislead people about their options around pregnancy, abortion and contraception. While they are not new, they now outnumber abortion clinics and often receive state funds while public programs continue to deny coverage for abortion. Join The Womxn Project, the Louisiana Coalition for Reproductive Freedom (LCRF) and an impressive panel of policy experts to learn more about these deceptive facilities and how people are working to fight back to stop the sham and advance access to the full range of information and care.

Featuring speakers:

K. Travis Ballie, NARAL Pro-Choice America
Caitlin Blunnie, ReproAction
Heather Shumaker, National Women’s Law Center
Amanda Kifferly, The Women’s Centers
Michelle Erenberg, Lift Louisiana
Haley Brand, Hope Medical Group
Ariana Ybarra, NARAL Pro-Choice Ohio

Moderated by:
Cori Garland for The Womxn Project, lead on the forthcoming (Summer 2021) “Exposing Fake Clinics Across Rhode Island” Report

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June 2021 : Controlling Our Bodies & Lives: Expanding Contraceptive Access

Being able to become parents or add to our families when we are ready is critical to improved health outcomes and financial stability, as well as essential to building healthy, empowered sex lives. Unfortunately, many people continue to face obstacles to contraception. Immigrant women and low-income families face significant barriers, but advocates are working hard to do something about it! Join The Womxn Project, the Louisiana Coalition for Reproductive Freedom (LCRF) and an impressive panel of policy experts working to move innovative policies to protect and expand access to the contraception people need.

Featured Speakers:

Brittany Fonteno, Planned Parenthood of Southern New England
Karla Gonzales Garcia, Colorado Organization for Latina Opportunity & Reproductive Rights (COLOR)
Diana Thu-Thao Rhodes, Advocates for Youth
Monica Simpson, SisterSong: National Woman of Color Reproductive Justice Collective
Pearl Ricks, Reproductive Justice Action Collective (ReJAC)

Moderated by:
Jessica Frankel, the Coordinator for the Louisiana Coalition for Reproductive Freedom.