Adrian Petterson is a doctoral researcher at the University of Toronto. She researches digital technologies for abortion access with a focus on the United States after the Dobbs v Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision. Adrian also has abortion doula training and volunteers on the Exhale Pro-Voice after abortion support textline which provides non-judgemental support for people who have had abortions in the United States and Canada.
In today’s show, Adrian defines what abortion is, and how it differs from a miscarriage. She explains the different types of abortion – pill vs. procedure based. Adrain gives us a history of women’s access to abortion services, along with the legal and practical hurdles women have faced and do face for safe medical care. She also provides some insight into the deceptive practices of so-called pregnancy crisis centres. And throughout, Adrian corrects Leslie’s many mistaken impressions and factual errors on these various topics.
Adrian’s website is adrianpetterson.ca and the direct link to her zine: https://www.adrianpetterson.ca/after-abortion-support-zine
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The Society of Freethinkers is hosting their third Humanism in Action conference on November 21, 2026. Details can be found at: https://sofree.ca/2026-conference/
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Podcast for Inquiry is hosted by Leslie Rosenblood and brought to you by the Centre for Inquiry Canada. Join today! Produced by Zack Dumont, Martin Zielinski, and Leslie Rosenblood. Support Podcast for Inquiry on Patreon: https://patreon.com/PodcastforInquiry. Send your thoughts and feedback to podcast@centreforinquiry.ca.