Ep 16 - I Had An Abortion: Jessy Rosales on Refusing to Carry Other People's Shame

In this week's episode of Speak Shame, Dr Connie hosts Jessy Rosales, an impassioned advocate for reproductive justice who began their journey in 2016. Jessy discusses their efforts in organizing communities and leveraging media to support reproductive justice legislation, notably leading to the passage of Senate Bill 24, which mandates abortion services in California university medical systems. Jessy shares their personal struggles with their identity and a powerful testimony of their own experience seeking an abortion as a student, which underscores the systemic barriers even in progressive states like California. Despite these challenges, Jessy's activism has continued to impact state and national policies. Listeners are encouraged to empathise, reflect on the sources of their own shame, and find strength in community. The episode wraps up with Dr Connie discussing the pivotal role of Jessy's mother in shaping their resilient spirit. 01:12 Meet Jessy Rosales03:46 Chapter One: Origins & Identity08:28 Finding advocacy work12:34 Pregnancy and decision15:02 Barriers to abortion care19:21 Second trimester and SB2422:16 Community and We Testify24:36 Living with secrecy29:36 Advice to younger self33:33 Empathy and shame unpacked41:23 Hope and movement power44:36 Remarkable woman: Mom JESSY ROSALES·      Website: WeTestify.org·      Instagram: @WeTestify UK BASED SUPPORT SERVICES·      British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS)·      National Health Service (NHS) Abortion Support GET IN TOUCHJoin the community:@StoriesWithoutShame on InstagramSign up for the Stories Without Shame newsletter to join the movement.