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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PRESENTERS: Mark A. Silberstein and Danielle Maisano
PRODUCTION: Mark A. Silberstein and Enter HUMAN
GRAPHICS & MUSIC: Enter HUMAN