When Abortion Access is on the Ballot w/Chris Love (Senior Advisor to Arizona for Abortion Access)

Guest: Chris Love, Senior Advisor to Arizona for Abortion Access and Planned Parenthood Advocates of Arizona

In this episode, Embracing Your Voice dives deep into the critical issue of abortion access in Arizona with Chris Love, a leading advocate and attorney. Chris shares her journey, her work with Planned Parenthood, and her role as a spokesperson for Arizona's 2024 ballot initiative to protect abortion rights in the state constitution. Atima and Chris discuss the intersections of race, law, and reproductive justice in a rapidly changing political landscape.

Key Takeaways:

• Fighting Stigma:
• The importance of explicitly using the word "abortion" to combat stigma and normalize reproductive rights conversations.
• The Power of Advocacy:
• Chris urges listeners to be bold, challenge the status quo, and create space for others, especially women of color, in advocacy spaces.
• Arizona Ballot Initiative:
• The 2024 ballot initiative could enshrine abortion rights into Arizona's constitution, providing long-term protections against future legislative changes.

Timestamped Key Topics:

[00:00:00] Introduction

Atima Omara welcomes listeners to the podcast and introduces the theme of empowering ambitious women of color.

[00:01:00] Meet Chris Love

Introduction of Chris Love, her roles, and her significance in Arizona's reproductive rights landscape.

[00:02:00] Chris' Journey to Advocacy

Chris shares how personal experiences with abortion and miscarriage inspired her to become a vocal advocate for reproductive rights.

[00:05:00] Educational and Professional Background

Discuss Chris's transition from law school to advocacy, focusing on her work with federally recognized tribes and Planned Parenthood.

[00:07:00] Abortion Rights in Arizona

Overview of the 2024 ballot initiative aimed at enshrining abortion rights in Arizona's state constitution.

[00:12:00] Strategic Advocacy and Political Engagement

Chris explains the importance of linking reproductive rights with broader social justice issues and the challenges faced during political endorsements.

[00:14:00] Challenges of Advocacy

Reflection on the difficulties of fighting for abortion access in a conservative state and the impact of stigma on the conversation.

[00:18:00] Fighting Stigma: The Power of Language

The importance of explicitly using the word "abortion" to combat stigma and normalize reproductive rights discussions.

[00:22:00] Leadership & Representation

As a Black woman in advocacy, Chris emphasizes the importance of diversifying leadership and using her position to uplift her community.

[00:28:00] Arizona Ballot Initiative: Ensuring Durable Protections

Detailed discussion on why constitutional amendments provide more durable protections for abortion rights compared to statutory laws.

[00:35:00] Maintaining Unity in Advocacy

Chris discusses the importance of maintaining good relations within advocacy networks and the challenges of representing a diverse agenda.

[00:43:00] Impact of Legal Changes on Access

Insights into how recent legal decisions have affected abortion access in Arizona, including the repeal of outdated laws and ongoing challenges.

[00:51:00] Key Takeaways

• Fighting Stigma: The importance of explicitly using the word "abortion" to combat stigma and normalize reproductive rights conversations.
• The Power of Advocacy: Chris urges listeners to be bold, challenge the status quo, and create space for others, especially women of color, in advocacy spaces.
• Arizona Ballot Initiative: The 2024 ballot initiative could enshrine abortion rights into Arizona's constitution, providing long-term protections against future legislative changes.

[00:56:00] Conclusion and Call to Action

These are Chris and Atima's final thoughts. They encourage listeners to support the ballot initiative by volunteering, donating, and spreading the word.

Support the fight for abortion access in Arizona by volunteering, donating, or spreading the word about the 2024 ballot initiative. Visit Arizona for Abortion Access for more information and to get involved.

How to Connect with Chris:

• Social Media: Twitter , LinkedIn
• Website

Additional Notes:

• Website: Embracing Your Voice Podcast
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