Reproductive Anxiety: Understanding the experiences of LGBTQ individuals, young people, and those who have faced perinatal loss.

Part 1 of 2.

This episode delves into the multifaceted issue of reproductive anxiety. We hear from researchers and activists Sam Murphy, Jessi Winters and Mari Greenfield on their work with LGBTQ communities, young people and individuals who have faced perinatal loss.

Part 1 sets the scene for what reproductive anxiety might look like and draws on the challenges people face in deciphering reliable information from medical professionals and social media. The conversation highlights the intersectionality of reproductive anxiety, emphasising how identity and past experiences shape individuals' feelings and concerns. The guests discuss the stigma surrounding reproductive health decisions and the importance of accessible information and support.

Jessi Winters is a social researcher with a keen interest in using participatory methods to understand complex health issues. While working at Brook, Jessi led the ⁠⁠EASY research⁠⁠ to better understand young people’s attitudes and behaviours towards condoms, contraception and sexual health. 

Dr. Mari Greenfield is a researcher at the Open University who specialises in working with marginalised groups on reproductive health issues. She usually uses qualitative and participatory methods to find out about people’s experiences.

Dr. Sam Murphy is a Senior Lecturer in Health Studies at The Open University. She has had a long-term interest in researching experiences of reproductive loss as well as, more broadly, the sociologies of human reproduction and death and dying.

Keywords: Reproductive anxiety; LGBTQ; perinatal loss; young people; contraception; mental health; research; advocacy; reproductive services.