Abortion and Miscarriage Support with Zachi Brewster
In this episode, Hannah is joined by Zachi Brewster, who is an abortion doula and sex educator. Zachi discusses her miscarriage and abortion experience, and also her work supporting others through an abortion. Her and Hannah talk about the impact COVID has had on abortions, and reproductive health and sex education in general. Finally, Hannah and Zachi discuss the importance of activism and advocacy around abortion access and support, and how abortions are over regulated and over politicised.
CW: abortion, miscarriage
Read the episode transcript here!
SHOW NOTES
What we chat about…
What is a doula and what is an abortion doula
Doula work being intimate but not personal
Setting boundaries in doula work
Different things abortion doulas do depending on location, accessibility and needs of clients
The abortion course Zachi did with Alliance For Choice
The difference between abortion doula work in England and the USA
Zachi's miscarriage/abortion story
The physical pain of an abortion
The amount of blood when you have a miscarriage/abortion
The lack of support and not being prepared for the pain, blood or depression that came after
Zachi's doula training and first experiences as a professional doula
Taking care of yourself and looking after your own needs as a doula
RSE in schools and how we're taught about abortion in RE (religious education) lessons
Accessibility and legalities of access to abortion - what happens when there are more restrictive abortion laws
What is Dopo and why Zachi started it
What Zachi wished everybody knew about abortion
Stats around miscarriage and abortion
The England law change to take the abortion pills at home
The benefits of telemedical abortions
The regulation, stigma and politicisation of abortion
Looking at abortion as healthcare and just another reproductive experience
There being no "good" or "bad" abortions
The community response from launching Dopo and building a movement of people who want to support
Zachi's call to arms for listeners to get involved in abortion activism
What kind of abortion access/miscarriage support is there for AFAB people who aren't women? (38:03)
Thoughts on having an abortion in a committed relationship because it's just not the right time? (39:41)
Has the strengthening of the anti-abortion movement in recent years had an impact on how your clients feel about having an abortion? (43:57)
USEFUL LINKS
Violence Against Women and our right to protest (mentioned in intro):
Episode links:
Additional resources from Zachi:
MORE ABOUT ZACHI BREWSTER
Zachi (she/her) is a Black, queer, abortion doula and sex and pleasure educator. She recently created Dopo, a community platform providing honest and inclusive abortion care and education. In short, she supports individuals through transitional experiences and builds communities around our shared stories. Her work aligns with her personal mission to improve reproductive and sexual health services for all.
CONNECT WITH US
*affiliate links