Amber Nicole Thurman was a 28-year-old medical assistant, devoted mother from Georgia, and one of the first women to die following the Dobbs decision. In August 2022, she sought a medication abortion due to an unplanned pregnancy. Following the procedure, she experienced severe complications, including a grave infection. Despite her critical condition, medical staff at Piedmont Henry Hospital delayed performing a necessary dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure for over 20 hours, reportedly due to concerns about Georgia's restrictive abortion laws. In this episode, Amber Thurman's mother, Shanette Williams, speaks with Jen Taylor-Skinner about her daughter's death, the delayed care, and the urgency to restore reproductive rights across the country. Episode Resources: ProPublica: Abortion Bans Have Delayed Emergency Medical Care. In Georgia, Experts Say This Mother’s Death Was Preventable Free & Just is fighting to stop attacks on reproductive freedom and rights. We’re working with people across the country to share real stories to show the devastating consequences of attacks on our reproductive freedom. We all deserve the right to control our bodies and lives. That’s why we’re sharing our stories, raising our voices, and fighting for our future. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Congressional Republicans have fast-tracked the SAVE Act (Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act)—legislation that could disenfranchise tens of millions of American voters by imposing strict new citizenship verification requirements. Is this bill really about election integrity, or is it an unprecedented voter suppression effort? Host Jen Taylor-Skinner sits down with Eliza Sweren-Becker from the Brennan Center for Justice to break down the dangers of the SAVE Act, who it targets, and how it could reshape American democracy. From hidden costs to criminal penalties for election workers, this bill is more than just restrictive—it’s a direct attack on voting rights. This episode of The Electorette explores what’s at stake, why it’s happening now, and how you can take action before it’s too late. Learn more about the SAVE Act from The Brennan Center for Justice: https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/house-bill-would-hurt-american-voters 📢 Call your representatives and tell them to vote NO on the SAVE Act. ✉️ Subscribe for more in-depth discussions on voting rights, democracy, and justice. #SAVEAct #VotingRights #ElectionIntegrity #ElectorettePodcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Natalie Davis, CEO of United States of Care, joins The Electorette host Jen Taylor-Skinner to examine the critical postpartum care crisis in the United States. Despite being a high-income nation, America’s maternal mortality rates highlight significant gaps in postpartum support. Davis discusses The 100 Weeks Project, a groundbreaking initiative designed to transform postpartum care by providing comprehensive, personalized support from conception through the first year postpartum. This initiative addresses the physical, mental, and social needs of mothers, fathers, and partners alike. The conversation shifts to the challenges of healthcare access for families, focusing on insurance disparities that disproportionately affect mothers. Davis and Taylor-Skinner explore cultural and societal barriers that hinder progress and discuss the need for a reimagined healthcare system—one that recognizes diverse family structures and guarantees essential care for all mothers. The discussion also highlights the emotional toll of navigating the healthcare system, particularly for mothers facing early motherhood struggles and NICU experiences. With the Supreme Court case Braidwood v. Becerra threatening to dismantle free preventive healthcare services under the Affordable Care Act, Davis underscores the urgent need for advocacy and systemic change. This episode offers an insightful and urgent call to action, emphasizing the importance of healthcare advocacy and the need for accessible, equitable postpartum care nationwide. 📢 Subscribe for more insightful conversations. Timestamps: (00:01) - Postpartum Care Crisis in America (14:06) - Reimagining Healthcare for Postpartum Mothers (24:47) - Threat to Free Preventive Health Services (34:59) - Healthcare Advocacy and Resources Episode Chapters: (00:01) Postpartum Care Crisis in America Maternal mortality rates and lack of support in postpartum care addressed through innovative 100 Weeks Project. (14:06) Reimagining Healthcare for Postpartum Mothers Insurance disparities and societal expectations hinder mothers' access to adequate postpartum care and highlight systemic issues in healthcare. (24:47) Threat to Free Preventive Health Services Mothers face emotional challenges in postpartum care, while a Supreme Court case threatens women's healthcare accessibility. (34:59) Healthcare Advocacy and Resources United States of Care addresses healthcare issues such as the 100 Weeks Project and the Preventive Services Court Case. #PostpartumCare #MaternalHealth #UnitedStatesofCare #NatalieDavis #HealthEquity #AffordableCareAct #BraidwoodvBecerra #HealthcareAdvocacy #Electorette #ReproductiveRights In this Episode United States of Care 100 Days of Care Listen to All Electorette Episodes https://www.electorette.com/podcast Support the Electorette Rate & Review on iTunes: https://apple.co/2GsfQj4 Also, if you enjoy the Electorette, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on iTunes. And please spread the word by telling your friends, family, and colleagues about The Electorette! WANT MORE ELECTORETTE? Follow the Electorette on social media. Electorette Facebook Electorette Instagram Electorette Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For over a century, the NAACP has been a driving force in the fight for civil rights, shaping American democracy through groundbreaking legal victories, grassroots activism, and political advocacy. From dismantling segregation in Brown v. Board of Education to championing the Civil Rights and Voting Rights Acts, the NAACP’s impact is undeniable. And today, their fight continues. In this episode, I sit down with Patrice Willoughby, Chief of Policy and Legislative Affairs at the NAACP, for a powerful conversation about the organization's modern-day advocacy. We discuss their efforts to protect democracy during the 2024 presidential cycle, their response to Project 2025, and their strategy to mobilize Black voters. We also dive into the Kamala Harris campaign, the evolving role of Black women in politics, and how future campaigns can authentically engage with Black communities. In this Episode NAACP Our 2025 NAACP Our 2025 Toolkit NAACP Black Consumer Advisory Listen to All Electorette Episodes https://www.electorette.com/podcast Support the Electorette Rate & Review on iTunes: https://apple.co/2GsfQj4 Also, if you enjoy the Electorette, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on iTunes. And please spread the word by telling your friends, family, and colleagues about The Electorette! WANT MORE ELECTORETTE? Follow the Electorette on social media. Electorette Facebook Electorette Instagram Electorette Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it possible to turn Texas Blue? Especially considering the large Latino, and Black voters in the state who share political interests like climate justice, housing justice, and immigration reform. Brianna Brown of the Texas Organizing Project, or TOP, joins Jen Taylor-Skinner, on The Electorette, to discuss how they are using collective organizing to build community, grow political power, and build unstoppable coalitions in Texas. We also discuss how the organization seeks to repair fissures created between Black and Latino communities that were widened during the 2024 election cycle. In this Episode Texas Organizing Project Listen to All Electorette Episodes https://www.electorette.com/podcast Support the Electorette Rate & Review on iTunes: https://apple.co/2GsfQj4 Also, if you enjoy the Electorette, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on iTunes. And please spread the word by telling your friends, family, and colleagues about The Electorette! WANT MORE ELECTORETTE? Follow the Electorette on social media. Electorette Facebook Electorette Instagram Electorette Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The gun violence crisis in America has shown little signs of slowing, and even though most Americans are desperate to stop the violence, congressional gridlock prevents us from making progress. Guns Down America—an organization focused on building a future with fewer guns, weakening the gun industry, and building political and cultural support for policies that will keep us safe from gun violence—has a plan to circumvent that gridlock. Morgan Avrigean of Guns Down America discusses the organization's strategy, and how they've achieved victory's despite decades of inertia. In this Episode Business Must Act: Are your favorite businesses keeping you safe from gun violence? The Deadliest Places to Grocery Shop in America Business Gun Safety Scorecard Listen to All Electorette Episodes https://www.electorette.com/podcast Support the Electorette Rate & Review on iTunes: https://apple.co/2GsfQj4 Also, if you enjoy the Electorette, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on iTunes. And please spread the word by telling your friends, family, and colleagues about The Electorette! WANT MORE ELECTORETTE? Follow the Electorette on social media. Electorette Facebook Electorette Instagram Electorette Twitter Resources A video from writer, and content creator, Franchesca Ramsey on grief was mentioned in the intro of the episode. The video can be found here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this final episode of the season, I have a casual and meaningful conversation with a friend: essayist and National Endowment for the Arts Fellow, Leta McCollough Seletzky. Leta joins me to discuss the impact Black women had on this election, on Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign, and we explore how the campaign affected us personally. We also discuss how the country's treatment of marginalized people, particularly Black women, is a bellwether for anti-democratic trends. This episode was made possible with a grant from the MacArthur Foundation through URL Media. In this Episode The Kneeling Man: My Father's Life as a Black Spy Who Witnessed the Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. KFF.org Report: Loneliness and Social Support Networks: Findings from the KFF Survey of Racism, Discrimination and Health Listen to All Electorette Episodes https://www.electorette.com/podcast Support the Electorette Rate & Review on iTunes: https://apple.co/2GsfQj4 Also, if you enjoy the Electorette, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on iTunes. And please spread the word by telling your friends, family, and colleagues about The Electorette! WANT MORE ELECTORETTE? Follow the Electorette on social media. Electorette Facebook Electorette Instagram Electorette Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pamela Smith, election security expert and President and CEO of Verified Voting, delves into the critical aspects of voting integrity, and gets into the weeds of voting equipment, voter purges, ballot audits, recount procedures, and the hand-counting process, while addressing every conceivable question on election security. We also revisit the historic 2000 Presidential Election between George W. Bush and Al Gore, exploring the notorious "hanging chad" incident. Finally, Pam offers practical advice on what to do if you encounter issues on Election Day—simply call or text 866-OUR-VOTE or visit 866OurVote.org for assistance. This episode was made possible with a grant from the MacArthur Foundation through URL Media. In this Episode Call/Text: 866-Our-Vote 866OurVote.org Verified Voting Listen to All Electorette Episodes https://www.electorette.com/podcast Support the Electorette Rate & Review on iTunes: https://apple.co/2GsfQj4 Also, if you enjoy the Electorette, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on iTunes. And please spread the word by telling your friends, family, and colleagues about The Electorette! WANT MORE ELECTORETTE? Follow the Electorette on social media. Electorette Facebook Electorette Instagram Electorette Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelly Hall, the Executive Director of The Fairness Project, an organization focused on empowering voters through citizen-led ballot measures, has become the country's largest backers of abortion ballot measures, investing $30M to critical ballot campaigns like those in Arizona, Florida, Missouri, Montana, and Nebraska. Ballot measures have become a critical lifeline to strengthening, restoring and expanding abortion rights across the country. Kelly discusses what's on this ballot this year, including what's going on in Nebraska—where a competing anti-abortion measure aims to mislead voters.  This episode was made possible with a grant from the MacArthur Foundation through URL Media. In this Episode The Fairness Project Abortion Rights Leaders Set Sights on Nebraska Listen to All Electorette Episodes https://www.electorette.com/podcast Support the Electorette Rate & Review on iTunes: https://apple.co/2GsfQj4 Also, if you enjoy the Electorette, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on iTunes. And please spread the word by telling your friends, family, and colleagues about The Electorette! WANT MORE ELECTORETTE? Follow the Electorette on social media. Electorette Facebook Electorette Instagram Electorette Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Political activist, and co-founder of the progressive organization Indivisible, Leah Greenberg, discusses the early days of the organization, and what she hoped would happen after publishing the first Indivisible Guide in 2016. We also discuss the big tent strategy embraced by the Harris-Walz campaign, and whether the coalition can hold after the election. Lastly, we discuss what you can do NOW, ahead of Tuesday's election, to help save democracy. (Hint: Vote, get your friends & family to vote, then visit AllInForHarris.org for volunteer opportunities) This episode was made possible with a grant from the MacArthur Foundation through URL Media. All In For Harris.org Neighbor2Neighbor Listen to All Electorette Episodes https://www.electorette.com/podcast Support the Electorette Rate & Review on iTunes: https://apple.co/2GsfQj4 Also, if you enjoy the Electorette, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on iTunes. And please spread the word by telling your friends, family, and colleagues about The Electorette! WANT MORE ELECTORETTE? Follow the Electorette on social media. Electorette Facebook Electorette Instagram Electorette Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelley Robinson, the President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC.org), the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, discusses the enthusiasm on the ground for the Harris-Walz campaign. Kelley and the folks at Human Rights Campaign have held GOTV events across the country, in battleground states, on college campuses, and at HBCUs. She provides an update on those events, talks Project 2025, and delivers a closing message to voters on what we should remember as we head toward the most consequential election of our lifetimes. This episode was made possible with a grant from the MacArthur Foundation through URL Media. In this Episode Human Rights Campaign — Get Involved Listen to All Electorette Episodes https://www.electorette.com/podcast Support the Electorette Rate & Review on iTunes: https://apple.co/2GsfQj4 Also, if you enjoy the Electorette, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on iTunes. And please spread the word by telling your friends, family, and colleagues about The Electorette! WANT MORE ELECTORETTE? Follow the Electorette on social media. Electorette Facebook Electorette Instagram Electorette Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kelley Robinson, the President of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC.org), the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization, discusses the enthusiasm on the ground for the Harris-Walz campaign. Kelley and the folks at Human Rights Campaign have held GOTV events across the country, in battleground states, on college campuses, and at HBCUs. She provides an update on those events, talks Project 2025, and delivers a closing message to voters on what we should remember as we head toward the most consequential election of our lifetimes. This episode was made possible with a grant from the MacArthur Foundation through URL Media. In this Episode Human Rights Campaign — Get Involved Listen to All Electorette Episodes https://www.electorette.com/podcast Support the Electorette Rate & Review on iTunes: https://apple.co/2GsfQj4 Also, if you enjoy the Electorette, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on iTunes. And please spread the word by telling your friends, family, and colleagues about The Electorette! WANT MORE ELECTORETTE? Follow the Electorette on social media. Electorette Facebook Electorette Instagram Electorette Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

USAFacts President, Poppy MacDonald, discusses their mission to provide solid, unbiased facts about the United States that are rooted in data. USAFacts is a nonprofit, founded by Steve Ballmer, who assembled a small team of economists, writers, and researchers to help comb through government data. Poppy MacDonald discusses how this data can then be used to shape policy, to inform constituents, and even, to strengthen our democracy. This episode was made possible with a grant from the MacArthur Foundation through URL Media. In this Episode USAFacts.org Just the Facts Swing States Data Facts About the Economy Facts About Immigration Listen to All Electorette Episodes https://www.electorette.com/podcast Support the Electorette Rate & Review on iTunes: https://apple.co/2GsfQj4 Also, if you enjoy the Electorette, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on iTunes. And please spread the word by telling your friends, family, and colleagues about The Electorette! WANT MORE ELECTORETTE? Follow the Electorette on social media. Electorette Facebook Electorette Instagram Electorette Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In 2018, Liuba Grechen Shirley launched a historic congressional campaign to represent New York’s 2nd District in the U.S. House of Representatives—all while raising two young children under six-years-old. As her demanding campaign schedule clashed with limited access to affordable childcare, Liuba quickly realized the whole thing was untenable. So, six months into her campaign, Liuba petitioned the Federal Election Commission, making history as the first woman to receive federal approval to spend campaign funds for childcare. This experience inspired her to launch the Vote Mama Foundation, dedicated to empowering mothers to run for office. In this episode, Liuba discusses the importance of having pro-choice moms elected to office, the double standard that women candidates face, and how electing moms, up and down the ballot, benefits everyone. This episode was made possible with a grant from the MacArthur Foundation through URL Media. In this Episode Vote Mama Candidates Vote Mama PAC Vote Mama Research Giving Circles Climate Power 2024 Election Listen to All Electorette Episodes https://www.electorette.com/podcast Support the Electorette Rate & Review on iTunes: https://apple.co/2GsfQj4 Also, if you enjoy the Electorette, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on iTunes. And please spread the word by telling your friends, family, and colleagues about The Electorette! WANT MORE ELECTORETTE? Follow the Electorette on social media. Electorette Facebook Electorette Instagram Electorette Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Senior Advisor for Black Engagement for Climate Power, Markeya Thomas, discusses the organization's $10 Million Black Engagement program, aimed at mobilizing Black voters around climate change, in battleground states. Climate Power is focus on educating voters on the differences between the two campaigns—one which has a track record of putting forth policies that create green jobs, with a history of holding big oil companies accountable, and the other, which has primarily denied climate science, and has a track record of supporting big oil's agenda. The conversation focuses on what climate messaging motivates Black voters ahead of the November election, and how Black communities are disproportionately impacted by the climate crisis. This episode was made possible with a grant from the MacArthur Foundation through URL Media. In this Episode Climate Power Research & Polling Climate Power 2024 Election Listen to All Electorette Episodes https://www.electorette.com/podcast Support the Electorette Rate & Review on iTunes: https://apple.co/2GsfQj4 Also, if you enjoy the Electorette, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on iTunes. And please spread the word by telling your friends, family, and colleagues about The Electorette! WANT MORE ELECTORETTE? Follow the Electorette on social media. Electorette Facebook Electorette Instagram Electorette Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Historian, educator, and author, Carol Anderson, discusses her book, "One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression Is Destroying Our Democracy." This episode replay is part of The Electorette 2024 Election Coverage series, and is a reply of an important conversation with voting rights scholar, Carol Anderson. Prof. Carol Anderson, the Charles Howard Candler Professor and Chair of African American Studies at Emory University and author of the bestseller, "White Rage," discusses her new book "One Person, No Vote," which chronicles the government's longstanding commitment to limiting democracy through voter suppression. From the passage of the 15th amendment to now, America's are still fighting to have full and equal access to the ballot.  This episode was made possible with a grant from the MacArthur Foundation through URL Media. From this Episode Book: One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression Is Destroying Our Democracy by Carol Anderson Book: White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson Maceo Snipes Listen to All Electorette Episodes https://www.electorette.com/podcast Support the Electorette Rate & Review on iTunes: https://apple.co/2GsfQj4 Also, if you enjoy the Electorette, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on iTunes. And please spread the word by telling your friends, family, and colleagues about The Electorette! WANT MORE ELECTORETTE? Follow the Electorette on social media. Electorette Facebook Electorette Instagram Electorette Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Historian, educator, and author, Carol Anderson, discusses her book, "One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression Is Destroying Our Democracy." This episode replay is part of The Electorette 2024 Election Coverage series, and is a reply of an important conversation with voting rights scholar, Carol Anderson. Prof. Carol Anderson, the Charles Howard Candler Professor and Chair of African American Studies at Emory University and author of the bestseller, "White Rage," discusses her new book "One Person, No Vote," which chronicles the government's longstanding commitment to limiting democracy through voter suppression. From the passage of the 15th amendment to now, America's are still fighting to have full and equal access to the ballot.  This episode was made possible with a grant from the MacArthur Foundation through URL Media. From this Episode Book: One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression Is Destroying Our Democracy by Carol Anderson Book: White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson Maceo Snipes Listen to All Electorette Episodes https://www.electorette.com/podcast Support the Electorette Rate & Review on iTunes: https://apple.co/2GsfQj4 Also, if you enjoy the Electorette, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on iTunes. And please spread the word by telling your friends, family, and colleagues about The Electorette! WANT MORE ELECTORETTE? Follow the Electorette on social media. Electorette Facebook Electorette Instagram Electorette Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Historian, educator, and author, Carol Anderson, discusses her book, "One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression Is Destroying Our Democracy." This episode replay is part of The Electorette 2024 Election Coverage series, and is a reply of an important conversation with voting rights scholar, Carol Anderson. Prof. Carol Anderson, the Charles Howard Candler Professor and Chair of African American Studies at Emory University and author of the bestseller, "White Rage," discusses her new book "One Person, No Vote," which chronicles the government's longstanding commitment to limiting democracy through voter suppression. From the passage of the 15th amendment to now, America's are still fighting to have full and equal access to the ballot.  This episode was made possible with a grant from the MacArthur Foundation through URL Media. From this Episode Book: One Person, No Vote: How Voter Suppression Is Destroying Our Democracy by Carol Anderson Book: White Rage: The Unspoken Truth of Our Racial Divide by Carol Anderson Maceo Snipes Listen to All Electorette Episodes https://www.electorette.com/podcast Support the Electorette Rate & Review on iTunes: https://apple.co/2GsfQj4 Also, if you enjoy the Electorette, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on iTunes. And please spread the word by telling your friends, family, and colleagues about The Electorette! WANT MORE ELECTORETTE? Follow the Electorette on social media. Electorette Facebook Electorette Instagram Electorette Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aimee Allison, the Founder and President of She the People, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to an America redefined and inspired by women of color, discusses a new poll of women of color, conducted by She the People, in collaboration with The 2040 Strategy Group. The poll found Harris should actually LEAN into her identity, as it motivates this group of voters. It also uncovers the key issues important to women of color, and delves into what will move undecided voters from this group in Harris's direction. From this Episode She the People/2040 Strategy Group Poll of Women of Color Listen to All Electorette Episodes https://www.electorette.com/podcast Support the Electorette Rate & Review on iTunes: https://apple.co/2GsfQj4 Also, if you enjoy the Electorette, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on iTunes. And please spread the word by telling your friends, family, and colleagues about The Electorette! WANT MORE ELECTORETTE? Follow the Electorette on social media. Electorette Facebook Electorette Instagram Electorette Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aimee Allison, the Founder and President of She the People, the nation’s leading organization dedicated to an America redefined and inspired by women of color, discusses a new poll of women of color, conducted by She the People, in collaboration with The 2040 Strategy Group. The poll found Harris should actually LEAN into her identity, as it motivates this group of voters. It also uncovers the key issues important to women of color, and delves into what will move undecided voters from this group in Harris's direction. This episode was made possible with a grant from the MacArthur Foundation through URL Media. From this Episode She the People/2040 Strategy Group Poll of Women of Color Listen to All Electorette Episodes https://www.electorette.com/podcast Support the Electorette Rate & Review on iTunes: https://apple.co/2GsfQj4 Also, if you enjoy the Electorette, please subscribe and leave a 5-star review on iTunes. And please spread the word by telling your friends, family, and colleagues about The Electorette! WANT MORE ELECTORETTE? Follow the Electorette on social media. Electorette Facebook Electorette Instagram Electorette Twitter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices