What does it really mean to provide gender-affirming care? And why is it under such intense political attack? In this powerful episode of Advocacy in Action, host Lauren Blauvelt (Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio) is joined by Dr. Bhavik Kumar (Chief Medical Officer) and Danielle Firsich (Director of Public Policy) for a comprehensive conversation about gender-affirming care—what it is, who it serves, and why access matters now more than ever.

Dr. Kumar explains that gender-affirming care is both a way of providing care and a range of services that affirm a person's gender identity—from inclusive intake forms and welcoming physical spaces to hormone therapy and referrals. Danielle outlines the hostile legislative landscape in Ohio, including the ban on gender-affirming care for minors, the lack of statewide non-discrimination protections, and the chilling effect these laws create. Together, they make the case that bodily autonomy is bodily autonomy—whether it's abortion care or gender-affirming care—and that we are stronger when we stand together.

Key Topics Discussed:

What gender-affirming care means: affirming care from the moment someone interacts with a health center.

The clinical aspects: hormone therapy options, individualized care, and meeting patients where they are.

The importance of creating welcoming, safe spaces for trans and non-binary patients.

The political landscape in Ohio: bans on gender-affirming care for minors, trans sports bans, bathroom bans, and "parental rights" bills.

Ohio's lack of statewide non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ folks.

The chilling effect of anti-trans legislation: people pausing or stopping care due to fear and societal pressure.

The connection between attacks on abortion access and attacks on gender-affirming care.

Why bodily autonomy is bodily autonomy—and why we must stand together.

Cisgender people access gender-affirming care too (plastic surgery, Viagra, hair plugs, etc.).

The reality of de-transition: almost always due to social pressure, not regret.

How Planned Parenthood is expanding access through in-person care and telehealth.

The importance of allies showing up and learning alongside the community.

Guest Information:

Lauren Blauvelt, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio

Dr. Bhavik Kumar, Chief Medical Officer, Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio

Danielle Firsich, Director of Public Policy, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio

Website: ppao.org

Text CARE to 22422 to get involved

Relevant Links:

Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio: plannedparenthood.org

Follow Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio on social media

Volunteer opportunities and election work with Planned Parenthood Votes Ohio

What happens when the personal becomes political—and the political becomes deeply personal? In this heartfelt and timely episode of Advocacy in Action, host Lauren Blauvelt (Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio) sits down with Ainslee Johnson Brown—co-founder of Ohioans Against Extremism, policy analyst, and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.

Together, they explore the intersection of personal identity and movement work, the joys and challenges of being in a same-sex marriage while fighting for reproductive freedom and LGBTQ+ rights in Ohio, and the importance of protecting joy and connection in the midst of relentless political attacks. Ainslee shares her journey from corporate finance to law school to advocacy, the founding of Ohioans Against Extremism, and the urgency of the marriage equality ballot initiative in Ohio. She also opens up about the importance of boundaries, therapy, and intentional relationship-building—lessons learned through hard-won experience.

Key Topics Discussed:

Ainslee's journey from corporate finance and risk management to law school and advocacy work.

The founding of Ohioans Against Extremism: holding politicians accountable by naming names and tracking bad deeds.

Why the work of advocacy and the work of holding politicians accountable often require different strategies.

The personal stakes: being in a same-sex marriage in Ohio while Obergefell remains vulnerable.

Moving a wedding up six months when Amy Coney Barrett was confirmed to the Supreme Court.

The marriage equality ballot initiative in Ohio and the urgency of protecting LGBTQ+ families.

The synergy between policy and communications: how strategic thinking meets storytelling.

The importance of boundaries, therapy, and intentional relationship-building in sustaining advocacy work.

The real-world consequences of political attacks: a friend falsely accused of Medicaid fraud lost his job and reputation.

Pride Month: celebrating joy while acknowledging the ongoing fight.

Planned Parenthood's role as a provider of gender-affirming care and LGBTQ+ health services.

Guest Information:

Lauren Blauvelt, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio

Ainslee Johnson Brown, Co-Founder, Ohioans Against Extremism

Website: ppao.org

Text CARE to 22422 to get involved

Did you know that only 3-4% of individuals who could benefit from menopause hormone therapy actually receive it? In this eye-opening episode of Advocacy in Action, host Lauren Blauvelt (Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio) sits down with Holly Baumberger (Senior Director of Clinical Product Development and family nurse practitioner) to demystify menopause and perimenopause, explore why midlife care has been so neglected, and explain how Planned Parenthood is stepping up to fill the gap.

Holly walks us through the basics—what perimenopause and menopause actually mean—and dives into the history that shaped today's care landscape. She explains how the 2002 Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study was widely misunderstood, leading to an 80% drop in hormone therapy prescribing and a generation of patients left to suffer through hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog, depression, and sexual dysfunction. Two decades later, we now know the study was misapplied, and Planned Parenthood is leading the charge to offer evidence-based, individualized menopause care—both in-person and via telehealth.

Key Topics Discussed:

*Defining perimenopause ("the time around menopause") and menopause (12 months after final menstrual period).

*The historical context of menopause care and the 2002 Women's Health Initiative (WHI) study.

*How media headlines caused fear and an 80% drop in hormone therapy prescribing.

*Why the WHI study was misunderstood: participants averaged age 63 (more than a decade past menopause).

*The "timing hypothesis": starting hormone therapy within 10 years of menopause or before age 60 offers a favorable risk-benefit profile.

*The real consequences of untreated menopause: bone density loss, insomnia, brain fog, depression, sexual dysfunction.

*Only 3-4% of eligible individuals currently use hormone therapy (down from 30-40% pre-2002).

*The shift from "HRT" (hormone replacement therapy) to "MHT" (menopause hormone therapy)—treating symptoms, not replacing to pre-menopause levels.

*Why many medical programs stopped teaching menopause care (the attitude: "if we can't treat it, why teach it?").

*How Planned Parenthood is offering menopause care at Toledo, Youngstown, and Rocky River locations, plus via telehealth across Ohio.

*The future: by 2060, 90 million individuals will be aged 50 and above—the need for care is only growing.

Guest Information:

Lauren Blauvelt, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio

Holly Bomberger, Senior Director of Clinical Product Development, Family Nurse Practitioner, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio

Website: ppao.org

Text CARE to 22422 to get involved

Relevant Links:

Make an appointment at Planned Parenthood for menopause care

Follow Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio on social media

Donate at ppao.org

In this urgent and truth-telling episode, Lauren Blauvelt (Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio) is joined by Danielle Firsich (Director of Public Policy) and Dr. Bhavik Kumar (Chief Medical Officer) to tackle the rampant misinformation surrounding medication abortion and the ongoing legislative attacks on reproductive healthcare in Ohio.

The conversation covers the safety and efficacy of medication abortion (MAB), the dangerous junk science being used to justify restrictive legislation like House Bill 324, and the broader implications of governmental intrusion into the patient-physician relationship. Dr. Kumar explains why mifepristone is safer than common medications like penicillin and Tylenol, while Danielle breaks down the flawed "study" at the heart of current anti-abortion bills. Together, they call on listeners to take action, share their stories, and hold elected officials accountable—because the fight for reproductive freedom is far from over.

Key Topics Discussed:

What is medication abortion? An overview of mifepristone and misoprostol.

The safety profile of medication abortion: serious adverse effects occur in less than 1% of cases.

How medication abortion differs from emergency contraception (Plan B).

The Hollis Anderson report: the single, discredited, non-peer-reviewed study fueling anti-mifepristone legislation.

Why the study counts ER visits as "serious adverse events" regardless of the actual reason for the visit.

House Bill 324: targeting not just mifepristone but potentially SSRIs and other medications.

The "MAHA" caucus and the attack on vaccines, SSRIs, and ivermectin.

The absurdity of the ivermectin bill: a lawmaker admitting to smuggling the drug from Mexico for cancer treatment.

The reproductive freedom amendment: passed by 57% of Ohio voters in 2023—and still under attack.

Why legislative interference in medicine leads to increased morbidity and mortality.

Practical actions listeners can take: contact committee chairs, submit testimony, show up at the Statehouse.

Guest Information:

Lauren Blauvelt, Executive Director, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio

Danielle Firsich, Director of Public Policy, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio

Dr. Bhavik Kumar, Chief Medical Officer, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio

Website: plannedparenthoodaction.org

Take action links in episode description

Relevant Links:

https://www.weareplannedparenthoodaction.org/a/stop-hb-324

In this urgent and empowering episode, host Lauren is joined by Marion (Assistant Vice President of Data and Advocacy) and Taylor (Organizing and Field Director) from Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio to discuss the current state of healthcare access, the impact of political attacks, and the grassroots strategies being deployed to fight back.

With a combined four decades of organizing experience, Marion and Taylor break down the devastating effects of defunding—including $8 million in lost Medicaid reimbursement and multiple health center closures—and introduce the CARE Continues campaign. This initiative goes beyond traditional advocacy, centering community care, mutual aid, and relationship-building as core strategies for resilience and long-term power building. They share insights on constituency-based organizing, the power of storytelling, and how anyone—regardless of experience—can find their place in this movement.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The real-world impact of defunding Planned Parenthood in Ohio: lost revenue, health center closures, and reduced access to care.
• Why a diverse, multi-tactic approach is essential to countering authoritarian governance.
• Introduction to the CARE Continues campaign: community forums combining resource fairs, small group discussions, and direct action.
• The power of mutual aid and care kits (menstrual, safer sex, gender-affirming, and new parent kits) as both a service and an organizing tool.
• The importance of constituency-based organizing through programs like Black Organizing, PP Generation Action (youth), and RISE (Latine community).
• Taylor's personal story of getting involved as a student after the 2016 election and how it shaped her career.
• How storytelling humanizes issues and connects directly to legislative advocacy.
• Opportunities for volunteers: from attending forums to hosting their own packing parties.
• A call to action: contact Senators Husted and Moreno, attend the Columbus (Feb 18) or Cleveland (March) events, and text CARE to 22422 to get involved.

Guest Information:

• Marion, Assistant Vice President of Data and Advocacy, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio
• Taylor, Organizing and Field Director, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio
• Website: plannedparenthoodaction.org
• Text CARE to 22422 to protect Medicaid and Planned Parenthood in Ohio
• Attend a CARE Continues event: Columbus – February 18 | Cleveland – March (date TBD)

Is your vote not counting? In Ohio, and across the country, the political game is rigged through gerrymandering. In this urgent episode, we sit down with Catherine Turcer from Common Cause Ohio to expose how politicians manipulate district lines to choose their voters, silencing your voice and impacting everything from abortion access to school funding.

We break down the corrupt redistricting process in plain English, revealing how "packing" and "cracking" voters with high-tech precision leads to unaccountable politicians and extreme policies that the majority of Ohioans don't support. Learn how gerrymandering directly led to the loss of abortion rights in Ohio and why lawmakers feel empowered to ignore their constituents.

Discover:

-The shocking reality of Ohio's "unconstitutional" congressional maps and how they violate the state's own constitution.

-The direct link between gerrymandering and the loss of reproductive freedom, Medicaid funding, and public education cuts.

-How politicians use deceitful tactics, including lying on the ballot, to maintain their power.

-The 2025 redistricting fight happening NOW and why this mid-cycle redraw is a critical moment for democracy.

-Practical steps you can take to demand fair maps and hold mapmakers accountable.

If you care about voting rights, abortion access, fair elections, and holding politicians accountable, this conversation is a must-watch.

Keywords: gerrymandering, redistricting, Ohio politics, fair districts, Common Cause, voting rights, democracy, election reform, congressional maps, Ohio redistricting commission, political corruption, abortion access, reproductive rights, voter suppression, civic engagement, political accountability, fair elections, Princeton Gerrymandering Project.

TAKE ACTION NOW:

Volunteer with us: www.PlannedParenthoodAdvocatesOhio.org

Follow us for updates: @PPAOOhio on social media

Donate to support the fight: PlannedParenthoodAction.org

Losing a pregnancy is a profound and often silent grief. In this powerful and essential conversation, recorded for Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, we break that silence. Host Lauren is joined by three courageous women—Erica, Da'na, and Emily—who share their deeply personal stories of loss, the crushing weight of "what could have been," and the systemic failures within healthcare that compound the trauma.

This episode is a raw, honest look at the emotional and physical reality of pregnancy loss, from the pain of seeing other pregnancies progress to the insensitive treatment in hospital settings. We also tackle the critical issue of racial disparities in maternal and infant health, and how policy decisions are creating "maternity care deserts" that put lives at risk.

In this episode, you will hear:

-Deeply personal stories of multiple pregnancy losses and the unique grief of "losing dreams."

-Why it's crucial to destigmatize these conversations and allow space for joy and grief.

-The shocking statistics on Black infant and maternal mortality and the systemic racism embedded in healthcare.

-How restrictive policies and low Medicaid reimbursements are causing maternity wards to close, limiting access to critical care.

-Practical steps we can take to advocate for change and support those experiencing loss.

If you have experienced pregnancy loss, know someone who has, or are a healthcare provider looking to offer more compassionate care, this conversation offers validation, community, and a path toward healing and action.

Keywords: pregnancy loss, miscarriage, infant loss, grief, healing, maternal health, Black maternal mortality, infant mortality, Planned Parenthood, pregnancy after loss, D&C, reproductive justice, healthcare disparities, mental health, patient advocacy, breaking the silence, personal stories, women's health, postpartum, neonatal loss.

TAKE ACTION NOW:

Volunteer with us: www.PlannedParenthoodAdvocatesOhio.org

Follow us for updates: @PPAOOhio on social media

Donate to support the fight: PlannedParenthoodAction.org

This conversation is essential for anyone in Ohio and across the nation concerned about reproductive rights, healthcare access, bodily autonomy, and democratic integrity. Understanding the strategy of the opposition is key to building a lasting defense.

Reproductive Rights #AbortionAccess #Issue1 #OhioPolitics #RoeVWade #PlannedParenthood #BodilyAutonomy #WomensRights #Healthcare #ProChoice #FetalPersonhood #IVF #Litigation #OhioSupremeCourt #Advocacy #Grassroots

Join the executive leadership of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Ohio, Lauren Blauvelt (Executive Director), Danielle Firsich (Director of Public Policy), and Diamond Crumby (Director of Communications), for a critical and in-depth discussion on the ongoing battle for abortion access and bodily autonomy in Ohio.

In this urgent episode, we break down what the passage of the Ohio Reproductive Freedom Amendment (Issue 1) really meant and the relentless legal and legislative attacks it still faces. We discuss the crucial court victories that have expanded access, like blocking the six-week abortion ban and the 24-hour waiting period, and why the fight is far from over against a hostile state government and Ohio Supreme Court.

KEY TOPICS WE COVER:

The real-world impact of overturning Roe v. Wade in Ohio

How a powerful coalition won Issue 1 in a historic 2023 election

The current litigation landscape: wins, appeals, and the threat of a conservative supreme court

Legislative attacks in 2024-2025, including HB 347 (24-hour wait reinstatement) and HB 370 (fetal personhood bill)

The dangerous rise of disinformation and criminalization of patients and providers

The vital importance of the September 16th hearing and ongoing voter mobilization

How redistricting and fair maps are essential to protecting reproductive rights

TAKE ACTION NOW:

Volunteer with us: www.PlannedParenthoodAdvocatesOhio.org

Follow us for updates: @PPAOOhio on social media

Donate to support the fight: PlannedParenthoodAction.org

This conversation is essential for anyone in Ohio and across the nation concerned about reproductive rights, healthcare access, bodily autonomy, and democratic integrity. Understanding the strategy of the opposition is key to building a lasting defense.

Reproductive Rights #AbortionAccess #Issue1 #OhioPolitics #RoeVWade #PlannedParenthood #BodilyAutonomy #WomensRights #Healthcare #ProChoice #FetalPersonhood #IVF #Litigation #OhioSupremeCourt #Advocacy #Grassroots