Dear John,

My name is Kelsey Brill and I'm the Assistant Director of Voice at Physicians. In my role I support and connect our physician advocates with media outlets so they can share the facts about reproductive health care.

This past month presented immense challenges for all of us whether at home, at work, or in our communities—and especially for our health care providers.

A few days ago, our Board Chair Dr. Kristyn Brandi tested positive for COVID-19.

Dr. Brandi and her partner are thankfully doing well, and because she’s such a fierce advocate, she used her time in quarantine to speak on the Generation Progress takeover of the Leslie Marshall Show. She shared how the pandemic makes it more clear than ever that abortion is essential health care.
 

LISTEN NOW: Dr. Brandi shares
why abortion is essential

Q&A with Dr. Kristyn Brandi:

After the show, I had an opportunity to ask Dr. Brandi some follow up questions.

Kelsey: What are some of the takeaways from this pandemic that you hope we carry forward into the reproductive health, rights, and justice movements?

Dr. Brandi: There is so much to learn from this moment – about the role we all have in advancing the public health of our communities, of valuing essential workers, of the importance of getting paid a living wage, having access to paid leave, to health insurance, food, water, environments free of pollution. We are also seeing the very real, dangerous impact that structural racism and racism in medicine is having on the impact of COVID-19 in Black and Brown communities.

Kelsey: What do you wish people seeking abortion care knew right now? How can our community of supporters show they care, too?

Dr. Brandi: Abortion was essential before the pandemic, it is essential during the pandemic, and it will be essential after this is over. To anyone seeking abortion care right now: we see you, we hear you, we are here for you. Whatever your reason for accessing abortion care right now, you are valid and you are loved. We can all be having conversations with our loved ones and our community members about why access to abortion matters. We all have a part to play in this crisis. Many essential workers still get up and do their crucial jobs to keep people safe and fed. Non-essential workers can help by following the social distancing and lockdown guidelines of the CDC and local leadership, washing your hands, staying home, and making masks!

Kelsey: What’s keeping you focused and motivated at this time?

Dr. Brandi: I know it's hard to be optimistic right now since everyone is living in a constant state of anxiety, boredom, and fear. I feel that way, too. But I think we can choose how we react to even the worst circumstances and I am so grateful for all of the positive things people are doing out there. Of course I am proud of my colleagues in health care and other essential services that are putting their health and their families at risk to help everyone else. But also all the warm community efforts—checking on neighbors, donating to bigger causes, and crafting that is helping to protect essential workers. I hope that sense of community continues long after this crisis is over.
 

We are so grateful for the tireless work and advocacy of our physician advocates. As they wake up every day to fight this pandemic, we hope you can do your part in supporting their advocacy.

Gratefully,

Kelsey Brill
Assistant Director, Voice