Writing & Speaking
Published Excerpts
Nuance doesn’t make for good political slogans. So, complex concepts are trimmed into neat and tidy sound bites. But perhaps we need to consider the expense more. The language we use matters, and when the words we use fail to represent the truth we feel, we become emotionally disoriented. Internal chaos is created — which in turn exacerbates political chaos.
— Washington Post
Giving birth to death forces you to come to psychological terms with the fullness of life and hold, in one singular moment, the diversity and complexity of the human experience. Finding peace with this seeming impossibility required my brain and soul to stretch wider than I ever knew I could. Although the experience is horrific, it is holy.
— New York Times
Look, no one has the answers to the big questions. Is there a soul? When does it enter the body? When does life begin?
It’s all so much more than just about a woman’s sovereignty over her own body. Yes – don’t get me wrong, that is and should be – enough. But it’s about sovereignty over your spiritual beliefs, too. The right to get to come up with your own answers to the Big Questions.
— Play “Imprint”, MOCA
WORK SAMPLE
Washington Post: OP-ED| I had a late-term abortion. But saying I’m ‘pro-choice’ is a problem.
An Op-Ed I wrote for The Washington Post on what my late-term abortion showed me about the language we use in the abortion debate.
Voice of America: TV Interview
Interviewed by Laurel Bowman from Voice of America for her piece on life in America post Roe v Wade.
MOCA Westport| The “A” CHRONICLES”
Chosen as a finalist for The “A” Chronicles my short play Imprint was performed as part of an evening of stories bringing light to reproductive rights.
Nighttime Talk with Niall Boylan: Podcast Guest
I join Naill Blylan on his popular podcast Nighttime Talk to share my story and discuss why abortion is such a charged topic, both here in America and in Ireland.
New York Times: Stillbirth – your stories
A contribution to a collection of stories on stillbirth written shortly after the stillbirth of my son and under my married name.
Out of Grief Comes Art: Podcast Guest
A heartfelt conversation on grief and the art of memoir writing with hosts Elizabeth Copland of Grief Dialogues and Halle Williams in this episode titled “I Gave Birth to Death.”
What is Pro-Love?: Podcast Guest
I join Adam Foley & Elisa Romeo on their popular podcast Holy & Human to share my late-term abortion story and discuss the nuance, depth, and complexity of this polarizing topic.
Grief Dialogues: Interview
An intimate discussion (begins minute 20:30) with my husband on the patient experience of stillbirth for Healthcare professionals. Interview by Dr. Jillian Tullis, with LETS REIMAGE, following the play Untold by Elizabeth Coplan.
Grief Coach: EXPERT Contributor
I am honored to be a content contributor to this wonderful service and organization dedicated to helping friends and family support grieving loved ones.
Give in Kind: Content Contributor
An article by Emmy Payne, founder of Grief Coach, on 5 ways to support someone after a stillbirth.
