Podcast

The “America After Roe” podcast explores the rise of the religious right and the ongoing battle to reshape America in ways that go far beyond abortion. Produced by Henry Larson and Francesca D’Annunzio, this audio series is part of a national project by Carnegie-Knight News21. Cover art by Emily Mai.

Part 1: A Movement Divided

The anti-abortion movement’s biggest victory – the end of Roe v. Wade – has exposed fractures in one of America’s largest political coalitions. 

Part 2: Gospel Through Law

A year after the reversal of Roe, a group of Christian lawmakers is working to mold American policy on abortion, LGBTQ issues and more. But its ultimate goal is more ambitious.

Part 3: Christian Nationalism

Christian nationalism has a foothold in conservative politics. But what is it? News21 explains this ideology and its rise in conservative politics.

Audio stories

Texas pastor works towards ‘abortion-free America’

Texas pastor Mark Lee Dickson travels the country hoping to create more “sanctuary cities for the unborn” – with a goal of banishing abortion from America.

(Audio by Tori Gantz/News21)
The Rev. Erika Ferguson has helped over 250 women receive legal abortions in New Mexico through a network that transports mostly women of color from Texas. Ferguson is pictured at her home in Dallas on June 17, 2023. (Photo By April Pierdant/News21)

Texas minister helps women travel to New Mexico for abortion care

Rev. Erika Ferguson has helped over 250 women receive abortions in New Mexico through a network that transports mostly women of color from Texas.

(Audio by Henry Larson/News21)
Ellis Hospital – the only inpatient hospital in all of Schenectady County – would have to abide by ethical and religious directives that prohibit abortions and other care should a merger with St. Peter’s Health Partners become final. (Photo by Morgan Casey/News21)

Catholic health mergers affect reproductive access

Mergers between Catholic and secular health systems can limit access to reproductive health care – even in states that are abortion safe havens.

(Audio by Alex Appel/News21)
Aletheia House runs Mother’s Hope and other substance use programs in Alabama. Its founders chose the name “Aletheia” because it means “truth” or “to be truthful with yourself.” (Photo by Shelby Rae Wills/News21)

Post-Roe, fears increase around the criminalization of pregnant people

Even before the reversal of Roe v. Wade, actions to criminalize behavior during pregnancy occurred across the country. Now, experts worry they’ll increase.

(Audio by Deanna Pistono/News21)
Sandy Harris, left, and Jonnette Paddy, right, with Indigenous Women Rising talk about abortion care and reproductive health with attendees at the “Women Are Sacred” conference on June 27, 2023 in Albuquerque, N.M. (Photo by Noel Lyn Smith/News21)

Native Americans navigate abortion access post-Roe

Abortion was never readily available to Indigenous women, and the reversal of Roe v. Wade made a bad situation much worse.

(Audio by Noel Lyn Smith/News21)