‘Does the state own your body?’: Margaret Atwood on America’s abortion debate

Margaret Atwood, the renowned writer of dystopian fiction including “The Handmaid's Tale,”  joins Margaret Hoover to discuss the prospect of a post-Roe v. Wade America as the country is facing this very likelihood. This updated and refreshed episode features an interview conducted just weeks before the leak of a draft Supreme Court opinion that would reverse the landmark 1973 decision that established a federal right to abortion in America. Atwood has long predicted that Roe would eventually be overturned. She tells Hoover the crux of the issue is whether the state owns women’s bodies. “If they're going to claim women's bodies and put in enforced childbearing, they should pay for that. If they make you have a baby, they should pay for your food, your lodging, your clothing, your medical care, and your training,” Atwood says. Atwood reflects on the renewed interest in “The Handmaid’s Tale,” her 1985 novel about a post-American dystopia where fertile women are forced to procreate. In recent years, the book has inspired a global wave of feminist protests and has been adapted as an Emmy-winning Hulu series. Atwood, a consultant on the series, offers behind-the-scenes insight as shooting is underway for a new season. Atwood also addresses other topics covered in her recent nonfiction collection, “Burning Questions,” including climate change and emerging threats to democracy like Russia’s war in Ukraine. Support for “Firing Line for Margaret Hoover” is provided by Stephens Inc., Robert Granieri, Charles R. Schwab, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Fairweather Foundation, The Asness Family Foundation, Pfizer Inc., Craig Newmark Philanthropies, The Rosalind P. Walter Foundation, Damon Button and Simmons Family Foundation.