Coronacast Episode 08 - Stimulus Relief and Accessing Reproductive Healthcare in the Time of COVID-19

On this final episode of Coronacast, hosts Luisa and Rhea dissect the second COVID relief stimulus package which failed to reach a consensus between Democrats and Republicans in Congress. They analyze the series of executive orders subsequently signed into effect by President Trump that included changes to unemployment benefits and school funding. 

Today’s speaker is NYU Wagner MPA candidate Ashley Emery, discussing the challenges in accessing quality reproductive health care in the time of COVID-19. She also describes policy trends that enforce anti-abortion agendas.

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TRANSCRIPT:

0:00: Welcome from hosts Rhea and Luisa

0:37: Top news of the week 

11:26: Ashley Emery walks us through the the challenges in accessing quality reproductive health care.

 

Resources to learn more:

• NARAL Pro-Choice America
• SisterSong: Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective
• National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice
• National Institute for Reproductive Health
• Planned Parenthood
• Center for Reproductive Rights
• EMILY’s List
• All* Above All
• Report on aid to anti-abortion centers mentioned at the end of the interview

News Segment:

• Axios interview with Donald Trump by interviewer Jonathan Swan
• White House, Democrats fail to reach agreement on virus relief bill, and next steps are uncertain
• After parents and teachers opposed a hybrid model, Chicago schools will reopen online only.
• Trump signs order for coronavirus relief, with lower level of extra aid for jobless
• Trump signs orders aimed at extending some pandemic relief after Congress fails to reach a deal
• Trump attempts to wrest tax and spending powers from Congress with new executive actions
• Over 32 million Americans are receiving unemployment claim benefits, US GDP shrunk 32.9% in Q2 2020 
• Governor Cuomo tweets that it’s impossible for states to contribute 25% of funds to unemployment benefits 
• Even asymptomatic people carry the coronavirus in high amounts
• US: Fauci ‘cautiously’ optimistic 2021 will see COVID-19 vaccine
• Factsheet on ‘Operation Warp Speed’ for vaccine production