Hyperfixed Podcast Episode Summary: "Presenting: The Dream - Babies Not Having Babies"

Release Date: July 3, 2025

In this gripping episode of Hyperfixed, titled "Presenting: The Dream - Babies Not Having Babies," host Alex Goldman delves into the harrowing real-life consequences of the post-Roe legal landscape on individuals seeking abortions. Featuring an in-depth interview with Charlotte Eisenberg, a young political journalist from North Carolina, the episode uncovers the extreme measures anti-abortion activists employ to prevent women from exercising their reproductive rights.

Introduction to The Dream

At the outset, Alex introduces Charlotte Eisenberg, setting the stage for a profound exploration of how institutional and societal forces intertwine to control personal choices. Charlotte's story is not just a personal narrative but a representation of broader systemic issues affecting countless women across the United States.

Charlotte's Early Life and Struggles [12:27 - 14:04]

Charlotte begins by recounting her upbringing in Gastonia, North Carolina, a small, impoverished town grappling with pollution and economic hardships. Raised in government housing by a single mother with five children, Charlotte's early life was marked by community support but overshadowed by personal trauma.

Charlotte Eisenberg [14:27]:
"My mom had her first child when she was 15, so I recognized that she probably also wanted to live some of her own life outside of her five children."

Trauma and Pregnancy [14:33 - 15:40]

At 11 years old, Charlotte endured brutal sexual abuse, leading to multiple rapes over four years. At 15, the trauma culminated in her becoming pregnant. The ensuing miscarriage, occurring during a high school exam in an empty basement, served as a pivotal moment, compelling her to escape her abusive environment.

Charlotte Eisenberg [15:40]:
"I thought that I was pregnant, but I wasn't sure. I had regular periods at that point and I had missed it and I felt very sick."

Involvement with Anti-Abortion Movement [16:00 - 24:27]

In the aftermath of her miscarriage, Charlotte sought solace online, using platforms like Twitter to share her experiences. Her vulnerability resonated with anti-abortion activists who swiftly recruited her as a poster child for their cause, despite her lacking direct experience with abortion. Charlotte became a mouthpiece, portraying her miscarriage as a consequence of failed abortion, a narrative imposed upon her.

Charlotte Eisenberg [22:08]:
"I told the story of my rape, of my abuse, and then of my miscarriage and how badly I felt after having my miscarriage."

Her tenure with the Progressive Anti Abortion Uprising (PAAU) exposed her to manipulative tactics and false equivalencies between issues like euthanasia, the death penalty, and abortion, aiming to blanket all "life ethic" concerns under one umbrella. The organization's internal culture mirrored cult-like control, enforcing conformity and suppressing dissent.

Breakdown and Departure from PAAU [24:27 - 30:27]

Charlotte's growing disillusionment with PAAU's hypocritical and abusive practices led her to voice concerns about organizational mismanagement and discriminatory practices. Attempting to address these issues resulted in hostile confrontations, culminating in what she describes as "struggle sessions" reminiscent of Maoist tactics, designed to break her spirit and enforce submission.

Charlotte Eisenberg [29:28]:
"A struggle session?... Basically in reference to what Mao's government did in communist China, where you would have a meeting with people, your superiors, when you've done something wrong, and they would berate you for it publicly."

Faced with relentless harassment and threats, particularly targeting her Jewish identity, Charlotte made the difficult decision to leave PAAU quietly. This departure set the stage for the unprecedented harassment she would subsequently endure.

The Escalation of Harassment [37:38 - 61:32]

As Charlotte transitioned to a semblance of normalcy—working at a brewery, preparing for university, and rekindling her personal life—the specter of her past affiliations loomed ominously. Unbeknownst to her, Kristin Turner, a high-ranking member of PAAU, orchestrated a campaign to monitor and disrupt Charlotte's efforts to terminate her pregnancy.

Charlotte recounts a series of invasive encounters, including unexpected appearances at abortion clinics by PAAU members, persistent harassment through phone calls and texts, and orchestrated legal threats aimed at deterring her from proceeding with an abortion.

Charlotte Eisenberg [61:02]:
"I get a call from him [Randall Terry] and I'm like, I'll answer the phone. So I pick it up, and as soon as I do, Randall's like, don't go through with it, sweetie. I'll adopt your baby, sweetheart. Honey, it's gonna be okay."

The relentless pursuit culminated in a terrifying encounter where Charlotte was forcibly taken into police custody based on a fraudulent affidavit claiming she was suicidal and a danger to herself. This baseless legal action underscored the sinister lengths to which anti-abortion groups would go to control and punish women like Charlotte.

Forced Psychiatric Evaluation and Self-Managed Abortion [61:32 - 94:40]

Inside the harrowing environment of a psychiatric ward, Charlotte faced disbelief, judgment, and invasive questioning designed to undermine her mental stability and autonomy. Despite the facade of concern from authorities, the underlying intent was to intimidate and control her decision-making process regarding her pregnancy.

Realizing the futility of seeking help within a corrupted system, Charlotte opted for a self-managed abortion—a risky but necessary choice given the hostile environment. The procedure, carried out alone in her childhood bathroom, was fraught with fear, physical pain, and the haunting remnants of psychological trauma inflicted by her past experiences.

Charlotte Eisenberg [94:38]:
"And it's the loss, I think, particularly of that potential future of me being a mother. That was hard because I do really want to be a mother."

Aftermath and Reflections [94:43 - 103:04]

Post-abortion, Charlotte grappled with the emotional and psychological aftermath, reflecting on the systemic failures that allowed such a traumatic experience to unfold. She highlighted the impunity with which anti-abortion groups like PAAU operated, their ability to manipulate legal systems, and the broader societal neglect of women's autonomy and well-being.

Charlotte's resilience shone through as she sought to transform her pain into advocacy, channeling her experiences into journalism and activism aimed at exposing and combating the pervasive and violent anti-abortion movement.

Charlotte Eisenberg [102:24]:
"I think that I am a much more resilient person than I gave myself credit for for a very long time."

Conclusion: A Call for Awareness and Change

Alex Goldman closes the episode by emphasizing the urgent need for societal and legislative reforms to protect women's reproductive rights and autonomy. Charlotte's story serves as a stark reminder of the real and present dangers posed by extremist movements willing to infringe upon personal freedoms through intimidation, legal manipulation, and emotional coercion.

Alex Goldman [87:08]:
"There are people who have had these experiences and just have to live with it because the system doesn't care. And just that I've been able to, like, platform this story, I think, just makes it worth telling."

Key Takeaways

• Systemic Control: Anti-abortion groups have developed sophisticated and coercive methods to control and punish women seeking abortions, extending their influence into legal and medical systems.

• Psychological Trauma: The intersection of personal trauma and institutional abuse exacerbates the suffering of women like Charlotte, highlighting the need for compassionate and supportive healthcare environments.

• Resilience and Advocacy: Despite overwhelming adversity, individuals like Charlotte demonstrate remarkable resilience, transforming their experiences into powerful advocacy for change and awareness.

Notable Quotes

• Charlotte Eisenberg [14:27]:
  "My mom had her first child when she was 15, so I recognized that she probably also wanted to live some of her own life outside of her five children."

• Charlotte Eisenberg [16:00]:
  "I thought, oh, this has to happen now. I have to decide right now."

• Charlotte Eisenberg [29:28]:
  "What's that, another cult thing?"

• Charlotte Eisenberg [94:38]:
  "And it's the loss, I think, particularly of that potential future of me being a mother. That was hard because I do really want to be a mother."

• Charlotte Eisenberg [102:24]:
  "I tapped into it and I used it to do all these things that without it, I just would not be able to do."

This episode of Hyperfixed not only chronicles Charlotte's personal ordeal but also serves as a critical examination of the broader societal and legal challenges surrounding reproductive rights. Through her narrative, listeners gain insight into the insidious tactics of extremist movements and the profound impact they have on individual lives.

For more stories like Charlotte's and to submit your own experiences, visit hyperfixedpod.com. Follow Alex Goldman and Jane Marie on social media to stay updated on future episodes and join the conversation on unraveling the complexities of the issues that keep us hyperfixed.