The Vajenda

Live with Dr. Jen Gunter

In this episode, Dr. Jen Gunter discusses her new birth guide, emphasizing the importance of informed, autonomous decision‑making throughout pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care. She critiques outdated medical lore and highlights how misinformation, legal restrictions, and institutional biases—such as those in Catholic hospitals—can limit patient choice and lead to traumatic birth experiences. Gunter also connects reproductive autonomy to broader reproductive justice issues, noting the impact of state abortion laws and the need for clinicians to stay evidence‑based and transparent. Throughout, she stresses that comprehensive, empathetic education empowers birthing people to navigate options like home births, birth centers, or scheduled C‑sections safely.