Thoughts on Mrs. America (Finally)

Where to begin? I finally watched Mrs. America. I am deeply invested in the story, both as historical narrative and political trajectory, so I’ve been hesitant to view the way Hollywood interpreted feminism of the 70s. The casting is stunning and as such the historical figures are brought to life admirably. Margo Martindale as Bella …

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My Great Grandmother, Abortion, and What We (Should) Ask of History

On November 9, 1922, my great grandmother Frances Owen departed Vancouver for the United States with the hopes of reaching Bellingham, Washington. An unmarried 25-year-old, she sought the care of Dr. Shute whom she heard from her friend Dot “was a good one to go to” to address that she was “6 weeks in a …

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Jane Wasn’t Alone: California Abortion Activists Before Roe

With the horror that is the recent spate of anti-abortion/forced-pregnancy laws, we are seeing a lot of talk about Jane. Heather Booth created the referral service in 1965 while a student at the University of Chicago. When the sister of a friend needed an abortion Booth used her activist network to locate a doctor who …

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