After my first recording with Maddie this season, I knew we needed to do a Deep Dive episode. Our first conversation was so healing and soul filling, I wanted to share that same cathartic energy into a single topic. As soon as I asked, Maddie was all in. If you listen to Maddie's episode, you will quickly learn the wealth of knowledge and expertise she graciously shares with humanity. When I asked her what topic she would like to discuss, without pause, Maddie said she wanted to talk about what was happening in Texas. Knowing the depth of information and topics Maddie knows, the lack of hesitation, my instant response was, "Oooh. Tell me more". To give context, this episode was recorded fall of 2021 in the midst Texas trying to push a devastating and polarizing attack one reproductive rights for women. When Maddie began to tell me her story, the gratitude I felt for being able to witness and hold space slowly turned to rage on. the hoops women continuously have to jump through....

Maddie McPherson had just turned 24 years old when she learned she was pregnant. She had only begun her dream job four months before, had accrued next to no paid leave, was in a long-distance relationship, and simply had envisioned a different life for herself than becoming a young parent. The decision to terminate her pregnancy was a no-brainer, but that doesn’t mean the experience came without heartache and trauma. On this episode, Maddie tells her story in the shadow of the U.S. Supreme Court’s consideration of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the case that may end abortion access as we know it. Bringing awareness to the nuances of choosing abortion is Maddie’s one goal, but Maddie and Jen also offer perspective on how our society’s failure to support women and parents has enduring consequences for the United States at large. 

For our listeners, Maddie has generously compiled a list of websites and resources to educate and broaden all of our perspectives.

https://www.brookings.edu/essay/why-has-covid-19-been-especially-harmful-for-working-women/ 

https://www.vox.com/2015/6/21/8820537/black-fathers-day https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nhsr/nhsr071.pdf 

https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2019/08/29/u-s-public-continues-to-favor-legal-abortion-oppose-overturning-roe-v-wade/ 

https://www.scotusblog.com/2021/12/majority-of-court-appears-poised-to-uphold-mississippis-ban-on-most-abortions-after-15-weeks/ 

I am so grateful for the courage Maddie had to share her story and for taking the time to do so. But even more so, I am so incredibly proud to call her my friend. You can find Maddie on Twitter @Maddie_McP

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