Content and trigger warning: This episode discusses abortion, reproductive rights, and related social and political issues. We recognise that these topics can be deeply personal, and some listeners may find parts of the conversation distressing. Listener discretion is advised.
Hello and welcome to the second episode of NEW(S) FRONTIERS.
This podcast is brought to you by SynchronicityMagazine: https://synchronicitymagazine.com/ an independent socio-political magazine dedicated to upholding the highest standards of journalism.
In this episode entitled ‘Abortion Rights: The US effect on the UK’ we explore how recent developments in the United States, such as the overturning of Roe v. Wade and Donald Trump’s second term, are shaping discussions around women’s reproductive rights in the UK. We also discuss to what extent pro-life groups are becoming emboldened to challenge existing laws and turn abortion into a voting issue.
First, we speak to Katherine O’Brien, the Associate Director of Campaigns and Communications for the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS). BPAS is a charity that sees over100,000 women a year for reproductive healthcare services including pregnancy counselling, abortion care, miscarriage management and contraception at clinics across the UK.
We then speak to Christian Hacking, the founder of Vote Life, a network of 22 independent candidates who stood in the2024 parliamentary elections on an anti-abortion platform. Hacking is a long-time anti-abortion activist known for some controversial tactics. He is a former public engagement officer at Centre for Bio-Ethical Reform UK (CBR UK) and a prominent protester outside London abortion clinics.
This podcast was originally recorded earlier this year, but as a small team with a lot to juggle, we were only able to release it now.
The discussion remains as poignant as ever with Nigel Farage and his right-wing populist party, Reform UK, which has now aligned itself with the pro-life agenda, gaining ground in the polls.
In September, Farage spoke at the American Congress where he attacked Britain’s free-speech laws. The move was brokered by the conservative Christian group Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF). ADF are known for their role in overturning Roe v. Wade and their connections with right-wingfigures such as US Vice President JD Vance.
The UK is a very pro choice country and has made significant strides to strengthen women’s reproductive rights in recent years, for example, by making at-home medical abortions permanently available in England and Wales in 2022, and by decriminalising abortion for pregnant woman in 2025.
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Please continue to join us as we explore more NEW(S)FRONTIERS.
PRESENTERS: Mark A. Silberstein and Danielle Maisano
PRODUCTION: Mark A. Silberstein and Enter HUMAN
GRAPHICS & MUSIC: Enter HUMAN
Hello and welcome to the first episode of New(s) Frontiers.
Synchronicity Magazine: https://synchronicitymagazine.com/ is an independent socio-political magazine dedicated to upholding the highest standards of journalism.
In this podcast we’ll be taking a look at the UK government’s crackdown on the pro-Palestine movement. From Draconian anti-terror laws targeting journalists and activists, to increasingly restrictive measures being taken to block the mass protests organised against Israel’s continuing assault on the people of Gaza.
We got two experts together in a panel discussion to examine the impact that these laws have had in the UK regarding a free and open press and the democratic right to protest with regards to Palestine.
Joining us today is Lindsey German, founding convenor for Stop the War Coalition who were responsible for organising the largest protests ever held in Britain in 2003 against the Iraq war, when two million people took to the streets of London.
German is also an author whose books focus on class warfare, feminism and socialism.
Also joining us today is Donnacha DeLong an Irish journalist and former president of the National Union of Journalists (NUJ) from 2011 - 2012 and still has other numerous roles in the union.
For more than 100 years, the NUJ has fought for journalists and journalism. Today, the union is one of the largest independent journalists' unions in the world with 30,000 members.
Remember, You can find us on Buy Me a Coffee .com/synchronicity magazine where your contributions go directly into producing impactful, quality journalism. Together, we can make a real difference, one story at a time.
PRESENTERS: Mark A. Silberstein and Danielle Maisano
PRODUCTION: Mark A. Silberstein and Enter HUMAN
MUSIC: Enter HUMAN