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We discuss all things' women, all things' pregnancy, all things' after. Reasons why women fall very sick ( morbidity) or die (mortality) before pregnancy (adolescent girls and young adults),during pregnancy and after are discussed in this maternal morbidity and mortality reduction academy; especially with an emphasis on minority women, all over the world; and ways for all involved in care to work together collaboratively and mitigate and or eliminate risks in women’s health.
Cocoa Pods
Real Talk: Miscarriage, Abortion Explained & Other Issues in the 2024 Election
Can a single vote shape the future of a nation? We explore this compelling question as we dive into the diverse perspectives surrounding the 2024 US presidential elections. Our episode features voices from opposite ends of the political spectrum, with one participant passionately backing Donald Trump for his economic policies and perceived divine appointment, while another advocates for Kamala Harris, emphasizing the need for leadership that sets a positive example and tackles economic issues head-on. These contrasting views offer vivid insights into the fervor and rationale behind voter choices.
We also navigate the complex terrain of reproductive rights and healthcare, where Kamala Harris and Donald Trump stand on opposing sides. A critical discussion unfolds around the candidates' positions on abortion access and compassionate healthcare, highlighting the nuanced impact of their stances on women's health and reproductive rights. We even touch on Trump's controversial claim of being the "father of IVF," probing the broader implications for women's autonomy and family planning. A unique perspective comes from a participant who questions the electoral process, adding depth to the conversation around political engagement.
The conversation wouldn't be complete without emphasizing the power of the vote in the upcoming election. We stress the importance of informed decision-making, urging listeners to look beyond partisan lines and consider the broader implications of their electoral choices. Whether grappling with support for Trump's economic policies or Harris's progressive initiatives, the episode underscores the necessity of civic engagement and the transformative potential lying in each ballot cast. Join us as we unravel the complexities of the 2024 election, encouraging every listener to make their voice count.
All right, so good morning. What are your thoughts about the 2024 US presidential elections?
Speaker 2:Yeah, so I'm definitely voting. I actually already voted in early voting and I believe Trump is going to win the election.
Speaker 3:The Democratic Party is platformed in voting for every single thing that God hates Abortion, you know, the mutilation of children, transgender rights, a myriad of other things and Donald Trump is going to bring back the economy. He's going to fight hard for American working people. We're voting for him because he stands for life, he does not stand for death, and absolutely Trump is going to win. And absolutely we're praying, and I think so many other people are praying as well, and even Trump has people around him like evangelical ministers, laying hands on him all the time, praying and really, really asking God to appoint him. And I think, when you look at the assassination attempt and you look at the fact that that bullet missed his head by mere inches, it's a testament to the fact that he is chosen for this hour. He's a chosen, appointed leader for America, and so I was happy to cast my vote for Donald Trump in 2024. Well, I think we need a change.
Speaker 4:Since the last of the Biden he's good. Change Since the last Biden he's good. But I think, after Trump, I think we still have work to do. I think I just think that we need change and we need a different change.
Speaker 1:So when you say change, what exactly does that?
Speaker 4:mean. So the economy is bad. We have. Prices of food is bad. The prices of food Right, we have. Prices of food is bad. Work is bad. We have prices of food is bad. The prices of food Right, we have. Prices of food is bad. Work is bad. The wages are not where it should be. I think you cannot live with the wages that it is today.
Speaker 4:I think, kamala, I like her because of some things that she proposed that she would do and I think she would do it, and I understand that she can't do it if she just if she is the vice president. I understand she's not in control because she's not president. So I understand that she couldn't do those things that a lot of people talk about. They say that she's in office now. Why couldn't she do it then? Because she's not the president. She has her own work to do. So I think you know she will bring that change that we're looking for. I think that we should, you know, give her a chance and let's see what she can do.
Speaker 4:It's better than we already tried. We already tried Trump, we already tried him and we saw what he was about. And, you know, I don't even think that he should be in office with the way that he carried himself. You know, we talk about bullies in school and the president if he is the president, the president should lead by example, and right now he's bullying using all kinds of words that are not appropriate, and we got our kids watching this stuff. So I think that if you want change, I think we're going to have to go further than we. We already tried Trump and we see what he's about, and so if we want change, I think this is the change that we need.
Speaker 1:Thank you very much for your comments. Thank you, which rallies have you attended the most?
Speaker 5:I've watched more of the Donald Trump rallies than I have for Kamala Harris. This has got to be the wildest one I've ever had to take part in. It's so divisive. You know, that's the biggest thing to me is how divisive it is and, oh my goodness, the disrespect that goes on with the rallies. Divisive, that's the biggest thing to me. How divisive it is. And, oh my goodness, the disrespect that goes on with the rallies. And that's mostly why I watch him just to see how he derails and talks about a lot of nonsense type stuff versus the issues at hand that should be being discussed.
Speaker 5:A lot of times Fox 5 covers the rallies, so I was listening to that one and the one prior to that. I think that was the one he mentioned President Carter. We all know he was going to support Kamala Harris and he was waiting to see his 100th birthday and Trump said, oh yeah, carter voted I think he voted for me and I was just like, oh my God, how disrespectful can you be with, you know, our longest living presidents, so stuff like that. It just had me flabbergasted. You know, I'm just like I can't believe the stuff that comes out of his mouth.
Speaker 1:So you're excited to see what November 5 shows.
Speaker 5:I'm excited and also a little scared, you know, because I can't believe how many people actually support Trump. And you know I see more and I know that she got in the race kind of late, so, and I think that has a lot to do with not seeing the promotions or the ads or a lot of the campaign stuff other than on social media, and I ride through and I see the big banners, the flags, the you know all the yard signs. I've seen probably 90 percent more of Trump than I have for Kamala. So that's, that's kind of that's a little scary to me, you know, right, yeah, well, I went already. I went to vote. Make sure. I took my mama and I tell all the people take somebody else with you to make sure they go out and get their vote in, because, you know, not voting for somebody is always to me, is a vote for the other candidate or for the winner actually. So that's how I look at it.
Speaker 1:Wow, thank you, thank you very much, no problem. So what do you think about the 2024 US presidential elections?
Speaker 6:I have just been praying a lot and trying to ask God like for leading and guiding, because I think they both have good and bad qualities. So that's what I've been doing just trying to pray and figure out like who's going to be the best one for all around everybody.
Speaker 1:Have you voted?
Speaker 6:Yes, okay, I did so, all right.
Speaker 7:I voted.
Speaker 6:I did early voting last week, Last week, that's it Just. I would just say pray about who you're going to vote for.
Speaker 1:And let.
Speaker 3:God lead you.
Speaker 6:Just pray for God to lead you and who to vote for. Thank you so much, thank you?
Speaker 1:Alright. You tell me that you never vote. Why is it that you never vote?
Speaker 8:Because they're going to put Whoever they want to put in office. Anyway, how old are you? I'm 51. Have you ever?
Speaker 1:voted before.
Speaker 8:No, ma'am, you just don't believe in it. God is going to take care of everything to me. So every time they put somebody in that we really want, they put somebody else in it. So that's why I don't vote. Wow, well, thank you so much for your input. You're welcome.
Speaker 9:Oh, I am excited to see what is going to happen. I am hoping that we will get a leader who is going to support education and support women's health, allowing us to let the doctors make the decisions, and the doctors and the patients. Thank you. Have you attended any rallies? No, I haven't attended any rallies, but I have watched. I watched the debate, I watched CNN, I listened to CNN, so I'm hopeful, yes.
Speaker 1:Thank you very much. Thank you, I'm hopeful, yes, thank you very much. Thank you In 2024 America, letting a woman suffer or even die after a miscarriage or an abortion is both cruel and unthinkable. Every woman facing the raw pain and fear of these situations deserves a compassion, not judgment. This isn't about politics. It's about basic human decency and respect for life. These are real lives and real struggles. No one should be left alone to bear that burden. Compassion recognizes the complexity of each woman's experience and insists on providing care, dignity and support. Judgment isolates and endangers, while compassion is what makes us human. We don't get to pick and choose who deserves kindness and care. Every woman deserves it, especially in her darkest moments. So we'll talk some more about some of the topics in which some women still had some questions with regards to the 2024 presidential election and debates. Welcome to this election special. Cocoapods podcast episode.
Speaker 1:What is an abortion? In medical terms, an abortion refers to the termination of a pregnancy before the fetus can survive independently outside the womb. There are different types of abortions, including number one spontaneous abortion. This is most commonly called a miscarriage. This is a natural loss of pregnancy, typically before 20 weeks, due to various health, genetic or environmental reasons. Number two induced abortion. The intentional medical intervention to end a pregnancy, which can be done using medications or surgical procedures, is called an abortion, quote unquote. This is often further categorized into elective, that is, it was chosen by the woman, by the individual, or therapeutic. It was done for medical reasons to protect the health of the mother or due to fetal abnormalities, there were problems with the developing baby. So, in layman's terms, abortion is broadly understood as ending a pregnancy. People generally think of a miscarriage for natural pregnancy losses, while abortion commonly implies an intentional decision to end the pregnancy. However, in medical practice, both fall under the umbrella of abortion, distinguished as spontaneous or induced. So let's compare the definitions. In medicine, the word abortion is a neutral term, covering both spontaneous that is, it happened by itself, that is, a miscarriage and induced termination, that is, a woman actually went to terminate a pregnancy. This can sometimes create confusion. In everyday language, however, abortion typically means a deliberate action, while miscarriage is used for unintentional losses. This difference highlights the need for clarity when discussing pregnancy loss, to avoid misunderstandings and provide sensitive, accurate communication based on context.
Speaker 1:In 2024 America, we believe that, regardless of the reasons behind a woman's decision to have an abortion, her safety and life should be paramount. Complications like we talked about in our previous podcast before this that they don't face life threatening complications due to barriers in accessing necessary medical care. No woman should die or suffer needlessly because she can't get the care she needs or because providers are hindered by fear or restrictions in offering timely, appropriate treatment. Women deserve compassionate, competent health care that prioritizes their well-being and respects their humanity. So in the 2024 US presidential election, the two major candidates have distinct positions on abortion access and related health care policy. For Kamala Harris abortion access she advocates for restoring federal protections for abortion rights, aiming to codify the standards established under rule versus weight. We talked about this in the podcast just before this. This would ensure nationwide access to abortion services, reducing disparities across states. And then, with healthcare provider support, she emphasizes safeguarding healthcare providers from legal repercussions when offering abortion services, aiming to alleviate fears that might deter them from providing necessary care.
Speaker 1:Now, with Donald Trump, his abortion policy Trump supports allowing individual states to determine their abortion laws, leading to varying levels of access across the country. He has expressed opposition to a federal abortion ban, indicating a preference for state-level decision-making and for healthcare provider implications. Under a state-determined framework, healthcare providers in states with restrictive abortion laws may face legal challenges, including jail time or uncertainties, when offering abortion-related services. Policy positions suggest that Harris's approach aims to establish consistent abortion access and protect health care providers nationwide, while Trump's stance could result in varied access and potential legal complexities for providers depending on state laws. And on the issue of IVF in vitro fertilization, some of our listeners ask did Donald Trump say he's the father of IVF? Yes, during a Fox News town hall in Georgia on October 15, 2024, former President Donald Trump referred to himself as the father of IVF. While discussing in vitro fertilization, he emphasized his support for IVF, stating we are really the party for IVF.
Speaker 1:Kamala Harris has consistently advocated for reproductive health access, including supporting policies that ensure women can make informed choices about family planning and fertility treatments, like in vitro fertilization. Her approach to health care emphasizes expanding access to reproductive technologies, supporting women's autonomy, their right to choose and ensuring that insurance coverage is inclusive of IVF and other fertility services. Harris has voiced support for family building options that empower women and families, recognizing the importance of in vitro fertilization for those who face challenges in conceiving naturally. By focusing on comprehensive reproductive health care, harris's policies aim to make IVF more accessible and affordable, particularly for those who might otherwise face financial or systemic barriers to these services. Her dedication to protecting reproductive rights aligns with the needs of families who depend on IVF to build their families, highlighting a compassionate and inclusive stance on reproductive health in America.
Speaker 1:So we talk about who is the real father of in vitro fertilization. Who is the father of IVF? Real father of in vitro fertilization? Who is the father of IVF? Well, the father of IVF is generally considered to be Dr Robert Edwards, a British physiologist who, along with Dr Patrick Steptoe, pioneered in vitro fertilization techniques. Their groundbreaking work led to the birth of the first quote-unquote test tube baby, louise Brown, in 1978. Dr Edwards was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine in 2010 for his contributions to the development of in vitro fertilization, which has since helped millions of couples worldwide overcome infertility and start their own families.
Speaker 1:Now, what did Kamala Harris say about allowing Certain genders to compete in sports? Kamala Harris supports policies that emphasize equality and inclusivity, including the rights of transgender individuals In sports. This perspective includes advocating for fair participation policies that respect both inclusivity and competitive fairness and competitive fairness. Harris's approach is grounded in the belief that all people, regardless of gender identity, deserve dignity and opportunity, particularly in educational and athletic environments. These policies Harris supports aim to protect transgender individuals from discrimination, while ongoing discussions within sports organizations continue to address competitive fairness and the development of specific guidelines that respect the integrity of women's sports. Harris's stance reflects a commitment to civil rights and anti-discrimination, balancing these principles with the nuanced needs of athletic competition.
Speaker 1:Former President Donald Trump has consistently opposed the inclusion of transgender women in women's sports. He argues that allowing individuals assigned male at birth to compete in female sports categories undermines fairness and safety for cisgender female athletes. During a Fox News town hall in October 2024, trump stated his intention to quote-unquote just ban transgender athletes from participating in women's sports through executive action if re-elected. He has also expressed concerns about potential physical advantages and safety risks, citing incidents where transgender athletes have competed against cisgender women. Trump's stance reflects a broader Republican focus on restricting transgender participation in sports, emphasizing the protection of women's athletic opportunities. So determining which stance is better on transgender participation in sports largely depends on one's perspectives, values and priorities In balancing inclusivity with competitive fairness.
Speaker 1:Both sides of the debate present valid points. So the inclusive stance that is Kamala Harris' approach. This stance emphasizes equal rights and inclusivity for transgender individuals. Proponents argue that sports provide valuable opportunities for community personal development and mental health, and that transgender athletes should have the right to participate in sports that align with their gender identity. Advocates highlight that inclusive policies promote broader acceptance and protection from discrimination for transgender individuals, who often face high rates of mental health challenges and social isolation.
Speaker 1:The protective stance Donald Trump's approach. This approach prioritizes competitive fairness and the safety of cisgender athletes, arguing that transgender women may have physiological advantages that could impact the integrity of women's sports. Supporters believe that excluding transgender women from women's sports is necessary to maintain a level playing field, particularly in sports where physical advantages could play a significant role. This view is often focused on creating separate or modified categories for transgender athletes to balance inclusion with fairness. So the choice of stance depends on whether one prioritizes inclusion and non-discrimination aligned with broader civil rights protection, or competitive equity and protection of women's sports categories. Some advocates propose that sports organizations, with input from medical and scientific experts, develop nuanced guidelines to address both fairness and inclusivity, as each sport and level of competition may require different considerations. So let's listen to what some people in the community are saying about these 2024 US presidential elections. Thank you for listening to CocoaPods podcast.
Speaker 10:I think the 2024 election. Everyone needs to get out there and vote. First of all, you don't want nobody telling you what you can and cannot do to your body. That's your body. Second of all, you don't want your social security to stop and everybody needs to get out there. Everybody vote matter. Don't say your vote doesn't count, because it does. So please get out there and vote.
Speaker 1:And when you went to vote, you did tell people to take somebody with them, right?
Speaker 10:Yes, and I text all my contact in my phone. Last week told everybody to go out there and vote because your vote does count. Thank you very much You're welcome.
Speaker 1:What do you think about the 2024 elections?
Speaker 11:I think it's important that everyone goes out to vote, because this is a very important election. It will determine a lot of things in the United States. I'm voting for Kamala Harris. That's not to, you know, convince anybody else to do so. I just think that Donald Trump is. I think he's not good for us. He attacks people. If he attacked their policies, it would be different. But to attack people in general, I don't think that he's stable enough to be the commander in chief in America. And today, liz Cheney nine barrels to kill her. Come on, that's ridiculous. So I really think people need to go out to vote to make sure that you know their voice is heard and their opinion counts, because you know there was a time when we were not able to do it, and I vote because my ancestors fought for it. Wow. Thank you so much for your input. You are very welcome.
Speaker 1:So how is it going with this election preparation?
Speaker 12:I think that people need to do their research and they need to study more and they need to vote for Kamala. That's my opinion, because I don't think he's going to be a good fit for us as black people.
Speaker 1:Are people coming out to vote?
Speaker 12:I hear a lot of people that are coming out to vote, but I think we need more to come out and vote, because I hear a lot of people saying they don't want to vote either way, and I don't think that's good, because when you don't vote, there's giving him more of a way to win. I feel and do you know why people don't want to vote? I think they feel like there's no hope. I think they feel like neither one of them would be a good for the presidency. But I disagree. I feel like she's a better candidate than he. Is my personal opinion, but and I personally feel like people in the halls if they had somebody else to choose as Republican, they would not vote for him. He would not be a choice. I just think these are choices they have. This is what we have to go with. Thank you for your comment.
Speaker 1:You're welcome.
Speaker 12:But what do your co-workers think? I just think, because they are especially my white co-workers they feel like, because they're Republicans, that they have to vote for him. But when we talk about it, I tell them if they had another choice, they would not vote for him. And most of them agree that they would not vote for him if they had other choices. But that's their choice and because they're Republicans, that's who they're going to vote for. Yeah, I think she deserves the win. Thank you, you're welcome.
Speaker 7:Well, I think that the candidates are very different and I don't want to be opinionated, but it should be a clear choice of what's best for us as a people, as women, of color, or of not just as the country as a whole. It's like we've been there, done that, definitely with one candidate. We saw the results some positive, some not so much so for the country. We've seen that I'm not so much so for the country. We've seen that it's time to try new, better things, better ideas, respectful of us as a country, as a people as a whole and as women. And I think it's going to be a good election if everybody comes out and votes in the way in which we should. It really shouldn't be about parties, necessarily, but what the individuals are expressing as their ideas and what we are as people and as a country and what we really believe in. And if we stand on that and unite on that, I think we'll have a good result with better results in the future.
Speaker 7:It's an interesting election. It's exciting. I'm ready to see the results. Go vote, I voted, Thank you.
Speaker 1:Do you think your vote will make a difference? Yes, ma'am, I do. I'm hoping it does.
Speaker 12:Okay, have you voted? Not yet. Probably go after. I leave him here.
Speaker 1:Are you excited to see what might come of it, or you don't care?
Speaker 12:I'm not going to say I don't care, it's just whatever.
Speaker 10:God has in store for us. It's just for us. Wow, Thank you.
Speaker 13:You're welcome. What I think about the 2024 election is unfortunate the most critical and crucial one, because we have some very unfortunate people that's running for this election, not people, excuse me, a person that's running for president, that I don't think should be running. But it's very important to know that for me myself. I did absentee ballot. With my absentee ballot, I did not mail it in. What I did, I walked it into my precinct because I want to make sure, for sure, for sure, that they did receive it. So for people who may not know that, even if you have an absentee ballot, you don't have to mail it in, you can walk it into your precinct. So just also want to throw out there that if you have a child that's 17 and a half, I believe, in the state of Georgia, they're also able to vote.
Speaker 13:It's just very important this 2024 election. I'm voting for my girl, kamala. I'm not telling you who to vote for, but that's my pick at this point. So it's just really wild out here, crazy and very sickening. So just everybody get out a vote. Thank you very much. Thank you.
Speaker 14:I think it's turned into almost like a yelling match between the two. They each try to slam each other instead of promoting their policies more than they should. A lot of people don't even know which candidate has what policy, because they're too busy listening to all the flack that they're giving each other instead of focusing on what really needs to be done for the country.
Speaker 1:So are you looking forward to the results.
Speaker 14:That I am. I do feel strongly about one of the candidates. She conducts herself with a little more decorum than I think the other one does, and I do appreciate the slight decorum.
Speaker 1:And have you voted?
Speaker 14:Yes, I went ahead and did early election.
Speaker 1:All right, thank you so much for your comment.
Speaker 2:Thank you important that everybody votes. I think that everyone needs to get out there and we shouldn't assume you know that our candidate's safe, you know, and that we should go ahead and, yeah, get out there and vote. Yeah, I don't know. I'm voting for Trump. I think he's the best choice for our economy and our families, and I know that that's what I need to put first more than anything, because we're all struggling with that now. I feel like it's a bigger deal this year.
Speaker 3:To vote right like it's a bigger deal this year To vote right yeah.
Speaker 2:I mean, I don't want to say that. You know, some year it's not important to vote and you know I think you always should, but you know it feels a lot more important this year.
Speaker 1:Everybody should try, yeah, try to vote. Yeah, okay, yeah.
Speaker 2:It's not that hard.
Speaker 8:My thoughts are I don't know really much about the candidates, so I only know what I hear because I haven't been reading a lot. So I just don't know which way to vote or go. But I am going to vote, thank you very much, thank you.