Episode #46

Dr. Jenn:

An Abortion Provider Answers the

Hard Questions

In a continuation of the dialogue on women’s rights, Sara and Misasha sit down to have a special conversation with Dr. Jennifer Conti (“Dr. Jenn”), who is not only an obstetrician-gynecologist but also an abortion provider.

Although an uncomfortable and often contentious subject to discuss, it is an important one in the arc of women’s rights.

Listen to this informative narrative for an understanding of different perspectives as Dr. Jenn addresses misperceptions and answers questions we all have but may have been too uneasy to ask.

“This is a universal truth: women are always going to need access to all kinds of pregnancy healthcare, including abortion.” Dr. Jenn

Show Highlights:

Dr. Jenn not only practices as an ob/gyn and as an abortion provider, but she also does a lot of media work and policy advocacy around abortion, as well.
Only a very small percentage of ob/gyns in the US actually perform abortions.
Many more are trained to do abortions than actually do them.
Administrative or policy issues may prevent them from offering this service.
Dr. Jenn grew up in a conservative family and was anti-choice until she was 18, and shares the story behind her change of heart.
Dr. Jenn describes the first abortion she ever witnessed as a medical student as a jarring experience.
Over 90% of abortions take place in the first trimester.
“If I don’t do it, who will?” An attending physician’s heartfelt plea.
What medical training and Fellowship in Family Planning looks like.
Fellowship now is morphing into science goals but heavily focused on policy as well.
“Harmful legislation” (having the women listen to the heartbeat, making her wait a certain number of hours before the procedure, etc.) doesn’t increase the safety of the procedure.
Dr. Jenn reconciles her previous anti-choice feelings she used to share with her family and friends.
What feelings a doctor may experience while performing an abortion.
A technical overview of abortion procedures.
The after-effects (physical, mental, emotional) a woman may experience post-abortion.
80% of women who have abortions are already mothers.
Dr. Jenn shares some stories of women that she has assisted.
The difference between the terms “Pro-Life” and “Anti-Choice”.
There are huge racial disparities with abortion access.