Throughline Podcast Summary: "Embedded: The Network"

Podcast Information

• Title: Throughline
• Host/Author: NPR
• Episode: Embedded: The Network
• Release Date: July 29, 2025
• Description: Throughline serves as a time machine, delving beyond current events to explore historical moments that have shaped our world. Hosted by Rund Abdelfattah and Ramtin Arablouei, the podcast weaves stories and sound to transport listeners to pivotal times in history.

Introduction: The Ripple Effect of Roe v. Wade Overturn

[00:21] Rund Abdelfattah:
Three years ago, when the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, it sparked widespread celebration among abortion opponents. However, for abortion rights supporters, this decision signaled a looming threat to women’s health and autonomy, raising fears that the lack of legal access would drive women towards unsafe abortion methods.

[00:39] Ramtin Arablouei:
Despite the restrictive ruling, a diverse and resilient network—including activists, midwives, grandmothers, and friends—had been expanding abortion access through unconventional means since the 1980s. This network was poised to respond effectively to the changing legal landscape.

The Birth of the Network: Lessons from Brazil

[01:11] Ramtin Arablouei:
The episode traces its origins to Brazil in the late 1980s, where women developed a safe, self-managed abortion method without the need for a doctor. This innovation has significantly influenced abortion access both in Latin America and the United States.

[01:23] Rund Abdelfattah:
Today’s episode, the first in a three-part series titled "The Network," is a collaboration between NPR's Embedded podcast and Futuro Media. Hosts Victoria Estrada and Marta Martinez explore the global movement that has enabled millions of women to safely self-manage abortions at home.

Challenges Post-Roe and Initial Responses

[01:29] Marta Martinez:
Following the fall of Roe v. Wade, 13 states swiftly imposed bans or severe restrictions on abortion. Within a month, nearly half of all states had enacted such measures, leading to the closure of numerous clinics. This forced many American women to travel extensive distances for abortion services.

[07:11] Victoria Estrada:
Victoria Estrada and Marta Martinez, producers at Latino USA, highlight that abortion bans do not eliminate abortions but instead push women towards more dangerous methods. This historical context set the stage for the emergence of safer, self-managed abortion practices.

Cytotec: A Game-Changer in Reproductive Health

[22:40] Marta Martinez:
In 1973, the American pharmaceutical company Serle developed Cytotec (misoprostol), initially intended to treat gastric ulcers. Although delayed in US approval, Cytotec found its way to Europe and then Brazil by 1986.

[24:05] Deborah Deniz:
Deborah Deniz, a Brazilian anthropologist, recalls that Cytotec came with warnings against use during pregnancy due to its ability to induce contractions and cause miscarriage. However, this very property made it a potent tool for self-managed abortions.

[25:29] Victoria Estrada:
Cytotec offered a safer alternative to the risky and often fatal abortion methods previously used. Unlike traditional methods involving herbs or foreign objects, Cytotec was medically effective and became widely adopted despite its illegal status.

Personal Stories: R’s Journey Through Abortion

[27:13] Marta Martinez:
The episode delves into R’s personal experiences with abortion in Recife, Brazil. As a minor facing unwanted pregnancy, R initially underwent a dangerous procedure with a midwife that resulted in severe complications.

[30:09] Victoria Estrada:
R’s second abortion experience was dramatically different thanks to Cytotec. Accessible through pharmacies, the process was more controlled and less traumatic, allowing her to maintain her privacy and avoid legal repercussions.

[32:55] Victoria Estrada:
R emphasizes the importance of community support and the lack thereof during her first abortion, highlighting the risks women faced when navigating these procedures alone.

The Impact of Cytotec on Maternal Health

[20:11] Marta Martinez:
From 1986 to 1991, Brazil saw a 21% drop in maternal mortality rates, as tracked by the World Health Organization. Dr. Rivaldo Albuquerque attributes this decline to the widespread use of Cytotec and the subsequent decrease in unsafe abortions.

[34:36] Victoria Estrada:
Sara Costa’s research in the early 90s revealed that approximately 60% of women presenting with abortion-related issues had used Cytotec. The median dose was 800 micrograms, aligning with the World Health Organization’s recommendations for safe abortion up to 12 weeks of pregnancy.

[35:32] Jacqueline Pitangui:
Jacqueline Pitangui, a feminist advocate, points out that Cytotec’s success was due to five key factors: discovery and dissemination by women, proven effectiveness and safety, essential necessity, community-level availability, and affordability.

The Spread and Evolution of the Network

[36:34] Jacqueline Pitangui:
Jacqueline identifies five reasons for Cytotec’s rapid adoption: it was a women-driven discovery, shared through personal networks, safety and efficacy, essential need for women, and its affordability compared to traditional clinic abortions.

[40:14] Marta Martinez:
Cytotec, also known as misoprostol or Santotec, has become the most widely used abortion pill globally. The World Health Organization endorses its safety for self-managed abortions within the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.

[39:13] Dr. Rivaldo Albuquerque:
Dr. Rivaldo expresses relief and happiness at seeing fewer women suffer from unsafe abortions, acknowledging that the network effectively stepped in where medical institutions struggled to provide safe options.

Conclusion: Building a Global Movement

[40:30] Marta Martinez:
The series continues to explore how the network expanded beyond Brazil, influencing reproductive health practices across Latin America and into the United States. Women developed new support systems around Cytotec, challenging existing medical and legal frameworks.

[40:51] Marta Martinez:
The narrative underscores the resilience and ingenuity of women in creating safe, accessible abortion methods, fostering a global movement that continues to adapt and thrive despite legal challenges.

Notable Quotes

• Marta Martinez [01:51]: "Are you scared?"
• Dr. Rivaldo Albuquerque [14:20]: "Why did this woman die? I can tell you without hesitation, because she was black and because she was poor."
• Jacqueline Pitangui [35:46]: "Women know how to be scientists at home when science is not offering what they need."
• Anonymous Woman [37:52]: "It's less traumatic, a lot less. You know what the sensation is? The sensation is that your period is late and so you take medicine for it to come."

Key Takeaways

• Adaptation and Resilience: In response to restrictive abortion laws, networks of women innovatively developed safe, self-managed abortion methods, significantly reducing maternal mortality.

• Cytotec’s Role: The introduction and dissemination of Cytotec (misoprostol) revolutionized abortion access by providing a safe, effective, and affordable option that could be self-administered.

• Global Influence: The Brazilian model of self-managed abortion has influenced global practices, particularly in regions with stringent abortion laws, including parts of the United States.

• Community Support: The success of the network relied heavily on word-of-mouth dissemination, communal support, and the collective resilience of women facing reproductive challenges.

Conclusion

"Embedded: The Network" offers a compelling exploration of how a grassroots movement in Brazil pioneered self-managed abortion methods, reshaping reproductive health access worldwide. Through personal narratives, expert insights, and historical analysis, the episode underscores the enduring impact of women's solidarity and innovation in the face of legal and societal constraints.