Tag: reproductive rights

The Phone Call

“The Phone Call” by Melissa Fournier is a short narrative retelling the author’s experience in giving birth to an infant on the edge of viability and, in the face of low odds of survival and extreme neurological impairments, signed a DNR. She recounts her experience as it is compared with others’ experiences of earlier stage abortions, and how public perceptions of varying kinds of difficult parental choices can be laced with bias, even when well-meaning. This would be useful in a class about reproductive rights and abortion. It is not long enough for an entire assignment, but it could be a good example to challenge abortion stereotypes and assumptions include in a lesson on the many nuanced situations in which termination of life occurs.

Call me Francisca

Francisca had always had difficulty getting pregnant. That is why she was exhilarated when she found out the news that she was having a baby. However, after some tests, Francisca was informed that she was HIV positive. Her doctors gave her antivirals and frequent checkups to keep her viral load low, but they did not inform her about much else. She felt guilt-ridden. When the time came for her birth, she had a C-section performed by a different doctor. After her son was born, a nurse informed her that her sterilization went well. Francisca later sued the hospital for a violation of rights.

This narrative is available in a Spanish transcription and as an English translation. It originates from Chile in 2002. As a patient, Francisca’s trust and rights were violated. Accessible to upper intermediate Spanish readers; transcription helps with audio. Useful for discussion of reproductive rights, women’s health.

The ART of infertility

This is the link to a website for a national arts organization based in Michigan and Wisconsin. The organization curate art exhibits that portray living with infertility, designes curricula and writing worksins, plans outreach events, and advocates for infertility rights. They dsribe their missions as follows: “Through art, we break the silence around reproductive grief and push back against common misconceptions. We invite you to join us in our fight to make infertility visible.”

The site includes galleries of exhibitions, including photos with artist statements and a blog that features personal narratives about the experiences of infertility.