Neelima Sukhavasi and Jane Martin
Recorded
June 22, 2024
50:18 minutes
0:00 / 0:00
Id:
ddc002669
Description
Obstetrician and gynecologist colleagues Dr. Neelima Sukhavasi (36) and Dr. Jane Martin (37) reflect on how Louisiana's abortion ban impacts their work. They reflect on taking a public stance against abortion restrictions, differentiate between informing their patients and telling them what to do, and share what keeps them hopeful in post-Roe America.Subject Log / Time Code
Neelima Sukhavasi (NS) and Jane Martin (JM) recount their journeys to becoming advocates for abortion access, especially following the Supreme Court's overruling of Roe v. Wade.
NS and JM describe being in disbelief when Roe v. Wade was overturned. They both feel that they took the constitutional right to abortion for granted.
NS and JM lament not having local resources to which they can send patients seeking pregnancy terminations. They recall feeling unsure of what they are legally allowed to say and share stories about patients experiencing pregnancy complications who were unable to access abortions.
NS remembers testifying at the state capitol in 2023 against various anti-abortion bills and the hurt she felt when her medical opinion was dismissed.
NS and JM consider whether Louisiana's Senate Bill 276 (SB 276), which classifies mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled substances, would've been passed before the Supreme Court's ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization.
NS and JM agree that, as doctors, they aim to provide their patients with unbiased medical information while keeping their personal opinions in check. NS emphasizes that she wants to give her patients options, not tell them which path to choose.
JM explains how the Dobbs decision led to conversations about abortion with her children at a younger age than expected. She realizes that the Dobbs decision brought women's healthcare providers in Louisiana together.
NS shares that she can't guarantee that she'll stay in Louisiana forever because of the abortion restrictions, as well as other legislation, including House Bill 71 (HB 71), which requires that the 10 Commandments be displayed in every public school classroom.
JM observes that few Louisiana OB/GYNs are willing to speak to the media and politicians. She admits that she feels apprehensive about talking to the media and vows to never tell her patients' personal stories.
JM clarifies what the exceptions to Louisiana's current abortion ban are. She expresses that deciding whether a pregnant patient's risk of death is high enough to qualify for an exception feels like playing God.
NS discusses the pros and cons of her patients routinely getting medical info from social media.
JM remembers leaving Louisiana and feeling surprised at how much she missed it. She asserts that she is here for the long game, laying the groundwork for future generations. NS expresses hope because more people are coming to the table to advocate for this reproductive rights.
JM shares that she struggles to talk about sex with her children and does so through a very scientific lens.
NS emphasizes the importance of normalizing conversations about sex and abortion. JM wishes to take politics out of abortion and reproductive healthcare more broadly.
NS and JM compare their field of medicine, as OB/GYNs, to those of their husbands. Neither NS' pulmonologist husband, nor JM's orthopedic husband, have ever had to consult a legal team before providing care to a patient, while NS and JM have to do so all the time.
Participants
- Neelima Sukhavasi
- Jane Martin