Abortion Provider Renee Chelian on 50 Years of Protecting Patients, Fighting for Access | Episode 17

Abortion clinics have long been targets of coordinated blockades, harassment, and violence.  This reality has never stopped Rene Chelian, an abortion provider and advocate who has spent decades caring for patients and fighting for access. In this episode of My Body. My Pod., Mini Timmaraju sits down with Renee, Founder and CEO of Northland Family Planning Centers, to talk about what it takes to deliver care, protect patients and staff, and defend abortion access in the face of escalating threats.  With nearly 50 years on the front lines, Renee has lived through the full scope of anti-abortion extremism and helped advocate for the federal protections of patients seeking abortion care—the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act.  This episode is about resilience and the ongoing fight to protect abortion rights for everybody. Renee continues that work through Reclaim, an initiative focused on restoring dignity, confidence, and public support for abortion and reproductive rights through advocacy and education. Protecting abortion access requires all of us—providers, advocates, and communities—willing to stay in the fight.  Episode recorded on April 8, 2026.  Explore more episode resources: reproforall.org/podEP17  Sign up to get involved with Reproductive Freedom for All at reproforall.org/podlistener/ or Text POD to 59791. *By providing your phone number, you are consenting to receive mobile alerts from Reproductive Freedom for All at 59791 and other phone numbers. Message and data rates apply. Frequency varies. Text STOP to end. Text HELP for help. Dig the new show? Help us spread the word! Like and subscribe to My Body. My Pod. on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts.