Call Her Daddy – Episode: "An Abortion Story (FBF)"
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Host: Alex Cooper
Guests: Calla Hales, Robyn Marty, Christy Kelly, Kristen Smith, Shannon, and others
Introduction and Context
The episode begins with Alex Cooper expressing her excitement about "Call Her Daddy" joining the SiriusXM family, promising more engaging content and personal stories for her audience, the Daddy Gang. Shortly after, promotional segments for sponsors like eBay, USAA auto insurance, and Uber Eats are interspersed. These segments are seamlessly integrated without disrupting the flow of the main discussion.
Overturning of Roe v. Wade and Its Impact
[03:49]
Alex Cooper sets the stage by addressing the profound implications of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, positing it as a significant setback for women's constitutional rights.
[07:05] Calla Hales, Executive Director of a women's health center, shares her firsthand experience:
"This is easily the most desperate I've ever seen patients..." [07:30]
The guests elaborate on the immediate and severe repercussions of the ruling, detailing how numerous states are moving to restrict or ban abortion, thereby creating "abortion deserts" where access to reproductive health services becomes nearly impossible.
Experiences at Women's Health Clinics
The conversation delves into the heightened desperation among patients and the increased hostility faced by clinic staff due to intensified protests outside health centers.
[03:56] Christy Kelly emphasizes the life-threatening rhetoric used by protesters:
"The worst and most uncomfortable feelings..." [04:16]
[12:12] Alex Cooper recounts her terrifying experience driving to a clinic amidst aggressive protests, describing the emotional toll and fear inflicted by anti-abortion demonstrators.
Anti-Abortion Protests and Tactics
[07:35] Calla Hales discusses the tactics employed by protesters, including spreading misinformation and using shame to deter women from seeking abortions:
"You're a murderer. You're a slut, Mama, don't kill your baby." [07:45]
[13:55] Christy Kelly criticizes the manipulative strategies of anti-choice activists:
"Shame and fear is the easiest thing to learn about, like the anti-choice stuff." [13:55]
The guests highlight how these tactics are designed to instill fear and shame, making the abortion process even more traumatic for those seeking help.
Legal and Social Ramifications
[09:14] Kristen Smith underscores the widespread impact, noting:
"You're talking about 36 million women of reproductive age." **[09:14]
She discusses the broader societal implications, including the potential banning of essential birth control methods, further restricting women's autonomy.
[11:01] Kristen Smith voices deep concern over the potential illegality of emergency contraception:
"I'm so terrified of it." **[11:01]
This fear is corroborated by observed legislative trends in states like Alabama.
Personal Stories and Testimonials
A series of personal accounts from survivors of abortion and those affected by the restrictive laws provide a poignant human element to the discussion.
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[22:25] Calla Hales shares her harrowing experience of being physically assaulted due to her role in assisting abortions:
"I was attacked and assaulted." [27:05]
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[22:04] Victoria Regel recounts her abortion journey:
"I had an abortion when I was 20 years old." [22:10]
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[23:10] Kristen Smith explains how an unexpected pregnancy influenced her life decisions:
"Having the right to an abortion... saved my life." [25:12]
These narratives highlight the personal and emotional struggles faced by women navigating these challenging circumstances.
Resistance and Advocacy
The guests advocate for proactive measures and resistance against the restrictive laws. They emphasize the importance of community support, legal challenges, and public demonstrations to combat the oppressive regulations.
[32:25] Christy Kelly ties the struggle back to patriarchal control:
"So much of it is about control. And that does take you back to the patriarchy." [32:25]
[35:12] Kristen Smith calls for collective action, stating:
"The idea of hell has no fury like a woman scorned." [35:12]
The discussion underscores the necessity for women and allies to unite, fight for reproductive rights, and challenge unjust laws through various forms of activism.
Conclusion and Rallying Cry
In the concluding segments, Alex Cooper urges listeners to recognize the gravity of the situation and mobilize for change. The guests reiterate the importance of voting and advocating for bodily autonomy.
[35:01] Calla Hales emphasizes the urgency of addressing the broken system:
"Voting is such a hard thing in this country and so complicated. ...to ignore it just means downfall faster." [35:01]
[33:05] Alex Cooper delivers a powerful call to action:
"What would you say to them?" [33:21]
The episode wraps up with a collective affirmation of resilience and the determination to fight for equal rights and bodily autonomy.
Notable Quotes
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Alex Cooper:
"This is not exclusively a health care issue. It has become political." [31:35]
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Robyn Marty:
"Don't murder an innocent child. You're not going to be able to escape death." [30:29]
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Christy Kelly:
"It is about control. And that does take you back to the patriarchy." [32:25]
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Kristen Smith:
"At some point, you have to decide what you're willing to do in order to make change." [33:39]
Final Thoughts
"An Abortion Story (FBF)" is a compelling episode that delves deep into the tumultuous landscape of post-Roe America. Through heartfelt personal stories and incisive discussions, Alex Cooper and her guests shed light on the ongoing battle for women's reproductive rights. The episode serves as both a sobering reflection on current challenges and a rallying cry for collective action and resilience within the community.
Note: This summary intentionally omits promotional content and focuses solely on the substantive discussions and narratives presented in the episode.
