Grounding Reproductive Justice in Rest: Mutual Aid, Reproductive Freedom and Faith with Elaina Ramsey

What does faith have to do with reproductive justice — and what does either have to do with rest? Everything, it turns out. Nicole sits down with Elaina Ramsey, Executive Director of FaithChoice Ohio, an organization that elevates the moral power of faith communities for abortion justice and reproductive freedom in Ohio and beyond. Elaina shares her journey from fundamentalist evangelical to pro-faith, pro-choice advocate, and how that transformation shaped her understanding of bodily autonomy, mutual aid, and rest as a deeply spiritual practice. Whether you're navigating burnout in movement work or simply trying to stay human while doing hard things in the world, this episode is for you.In this episode you'll hear:Elaina's journey from fundamentalist evangelical to pro-choice Christian reproductive justice advocateHow a traumatic experience in college cracked open her thinking about bodily autonomy and led her to this workThe difference between reproductive health care, reproductive rights and the broader reproductive justice framework — and why it mattersHow FaithChoice Ohio builds rest, grief and mutual aid into their organizational culture as a lived valueGiving practical support for people accessing abortion care in Ohio including through the Jubilee FundA "Dear Rest Rebels" message: what you freely give others — permission to rest, grieve and be human — is also a gift you can give yourselfChapters List00:00 Introduction to Change Makers and Rest03:25 Time for a Deep Breath04:33 Elaina's Journey from Evangelicalism to Advocacy10:45 Outgrowing Evangelicalism is a lot like Burning Out12:28 The Shift to Reproductive Justice18:30 Christian Grounding for Rest23:20 Grief, Lament, and Community Care28:18 Creating a Culture of Rest in Organizations31:18 Navigating Expectations in Nonprofit Work35:01 Understanding Reproductive Justice42:00 The Broader Implications of Reproductive Justice44:56 Community Care and Mutual Aid51:18 Empowering Rest and Self-Care51:42 Dear Rest Rebels53:33 Support FaithChoice Ohio57:18 How to Find FaithChoice OhioCONNECT WITH ELAINA RAMSEY & FAITHCHOICE OHIOWebsite: faithchoiceohio.orgInstagram: @FaithChoiceOhioFacebook: @FaithChoiceOhioPodcast: R-Soul https://www.faithchoiceohio.org/podcastCONNECT WITH NICOLE HAVELKA:NewsletterLinkedInWork with NicoleThe Calm Calendar Club is a brain-friendly planning community for neurodivergent adults, ADHD minds, and sandwich-generation caregivers who are tired of systems that don’t fit real life. We help you build a flexible, values-based calendar that reduces chaos and protects your energy. This low-cost, community-based program is ready for you at defythetrend.com/calm-calendar. Thank you to the people who helped make this show happen.Send me a message via Speakpipe.A proud member of the Feminist Podcasters Collective.