Nanette McCann and Frankie Robertson
Recorded
June 24, 2024
50:01 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
ddc002676
Description
Friends Nanette McCann (62) and Frankie Robertson (47) reflect on their work as Black doulas, Louisiana's abortion ban, and attitudes towards pregnancy.Subject Log / Time Code
Nanette McCann (NM) remembers meeting Frankie Robertson (FR) while advocating for Black doulas at a hospital.
NM recalls growing up in an intimate, Black community in Algiers, New Orleans.
FR recounts growing up in segregated Clinton, Louisiana.
FR remembers watching a graphic anti-abortion video in school, after which she developed an anti-abortion stance that she has unlearned throughout the years.
NM and FR compare how abortion was talked about in their communities growing up.
NM describes her first time serving as a doula.
FR recounts her first client at her business, Black Joy Doula Firm, and reflects on how her own pregnancy shaped how she shows up for clients.
NM and FR consider what choices pregnant people may or may not have available to them, especially in post-Roe Louisiana.
FR describes Louisiana lawmakers' cold responses to pro-choice testimonies during the 2024 legislative session and reflects on unlearning her own pro-life stance.
NM expresses fear towards the increased monitoring people's personal choices.
NM and FR share that they are proud of increasing patient autonomy.
FR wishes that she could urge her 14-year-old self to ask more questions and think more critically.
NM acknowledges Louisiana's rich midwifery traditions and FR hopes to cultivate more joy in her clients' pregnancy journeys.
Participants
- Nanette McCann
- Frankie Robertson