Conversations
about Abortion
Individual board members bring
a broad range of experiences to talking about abortion. Some of
us are providers, some of us are former patients and some of us are
committed to listening to the stories of those who are involved in abortion
through our academic research or work in the community. As we
explore how dialogic approaches can help to change the conversation
around abortion, we draw on these broad experiences.
Social
and Emotional Aspects of Abortion Program (On-Going)
ANSIRH, University of California
San Francisco
Research interactions can provide
great opportunities for listening to lived experience. Through her qualitative
research at the UCSF ANSIRH project, Kate Cockrill has had opportunities
to listen to a diverse group of women describe their experiences with
abortion in social and emotional terms. Findings from her qualitative
research projects can be found in the following papers:
“The
Most Difficult Religious Conversation? Pedagogical Strategies for Teaching
the Complexities of Abortion” (2008-2009)
Drury University
Board member Teresa Hornsby
was awarded a grant from the Wabash Center identify pedagogical strategies
for holding difficult conversations in the class room. In a a series
of six workshops she 1) identified and evaluated existing models of
teaching about abortion; 2) considered the range of pedagogical decisions
teachers must make in order to encourage learning among students (and
educators) who have already made decisions about the topic in advance
of encountering it; 3) created an emic model that explores 'insider'
information side-by-side with academic religious pedagogy and lived
experiences; 4) provided guidelines and strategies that give confidence
to the instructor and provide an atmosphere where respectful conversation
and learning, rather than conflict, happens. For more about this project
contact Teresa Hornsby at thornsby@drury.edu
Abortion Conversation Project
“Sponsored Conversations” (2005-2007)
The Abortion Conversation
Project
ACP sponsored Abortion Conversations
in Texas, Florida, and the Northwest (2005-2007) in an effort to create
a space where providers and prochoice allies, including clergy, activists,
academics, students, and health professionals, could come together to
talk openly and honestly about abortion. We have found that people need
to understand each other’s work and perspectives in a tolerant atmosphere
where people can ask questions without risk. A description of
the Northwest Abortion Conversation can be found here.
Stories of Real Conversations: Fly the Friendly
Skies…
This essay by Ruth Arick shows how everyday interactions can provide
opportunities for conversations about abortion.
