Abort the Stigma Ep 3: Sex Workers' Right to Abortion Access

In this episode of the "Abort the Stigma" podcast series, we delve into the intersection of sex work movement and abortion access. Join us as we explore the legal and medical landscapes shaping sex workers' right to abortion, hear personal experiences from the ground, and address the unique challenges they face in securing reproductive healthcare. Get ready to confront stigmas, challenge misconceptions, and advocate for greater inclusivity and support for the sex worker community in their journey to access abortion services.

About Abort the Stigma Podcast series:

Abortion is frequently seen in a negative light. The focus usually rests upon the termination of the pregnancy, or the stigma or fear that the abortion seeker has to endure. But there is another side to abortion that seems to be missing from our discussion. Abortion also saves lives, it can be life-affirming for many who make this choice. Further, it can affect the lives of those who are connected to the abortion seeker. In this podcast, we unravel the right of choosing abortion, and aim to flip the narrative. 

Speakers:

Tejaswi is the executive director of Saheli Sangh, the only sex workers’ collective in Pune. She is also a technical advisor at National Network of Sex Workers (NNSW).

Krishanu is a trans and neurodivergent person. Both these aspects take up a huge part of how Krishanu negotiates her daily existence. Krishanu works as a Research Assistant at IIT Delhi. She has completed her M.A. in Sociology from Ambedkar University Delhi. Her current area of work looks at “Launda Naach” which is a caste based cultural performance embedded in the context of Bihar. She has also worked in the SRHR space, primarily engaging with the access to safe abortions for the sex workers community. She is a former ⁠Safe Abortion for Everyone⁠ Fellow at The YP Foundation.

Producer: Yoshita Srivastava

Audio Editor: Nithin Shamsudhin

Produced by The YP Foundation