Today, during the start of Black Maternal Health Week, Angela Fobbs, Global Black Caucus Chair, released the following statement: “Across the United States, Black women have long faced devastating barriers to accessible maternal care, leading to disproportionately higher pregnancy-related complications and mortality rates. While the Biden-Harris Administration is addressing this crisis head-on, Donald Trump is hellbent on worsening Black maternal health by pushing to repeal the Affordable Care Act and unleashing extreme abortion bans across the country. Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans are waging a war on reproductive rights that disproportionately harms Black women as he and his MAGA allies plan to ban abortion nationwide, with or without Congress. This November, the stakes could not be higher, and Americans Abroad will head to the polls knowing that healthcare is on the ballot.”

Women are under attack from all sides. Where does someone turn when facing an unplanned pregnancy? Preconceived tells the stories of Maleeha and Maria, two women who, while navigating unplanned pregnancies, inadvertently found themselves at facilities discouraging them from abortions. The film is a window into these enigmatic centers that some call “pregnancy resource centers” and others call “fake clinics.” Shedding light on how many of these centers are part of a movement striving to make abortion unthinkable and illegal, the documentary explores the complex role of deception, finances, faith, and privacy. Amid a shifting legal landscape, Preconceived underscores the significance of understanding the resources available to pregnant people.

Kris Mayes is one of Arizona’s strongest consumer advocates and an attorney who has distinguished herself as a fighter for families in a lifetime of public service. The attorney general race was one of the tightest races in state history. She won her race in 2020 with 280 votes, so our votes from abroad really matter. Join us as she discusses what is going on in Arizona, the importance of our votes from abroad, all the election denials that are still going on in Arizona, and more.

The Blue Vote Café podcast is your window into the world of Democrats Abroad and the issues that face Americans living outside the United States. Hosts David Schellenberg and Rachel Eugster look inward to showcase DA’s caucuses, task forces, and individual leaders and members. And they look outward to explore questions of interest to Americans at home and abroad. Guests have included Leigh MacGowan (aka Politics Girl) Former Ambassador to Canada Bruce Heyman and Mrs. Vicki Heyman Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Jill J. Karovsky Author David Pepper Stewart Reynolds (aka social media darling Brittlestar) Novelist Steve Erickson

Honeydew Projections The roots of a family brood lay In the hopes and inspirations Of dreams bred invoiced Determining clan limbs budding and prospering Or stagnating while decaying Kindred folk impart insistence