Abortion Talks: They Found Respect, Not Common Ground

ONE IS PRO-LIFE, THE OTHER PRO-CHOICE: HOW TWO LEADERS FOUND FRIENDSHIP AFTER A DEADLY CLINIC ATTACK.

We speak with two women from opposing sides of the bitter and often toxic debate over abortion. Frances Hogan and The Rev. Anne Fowler were involved in a series of years-long intensive, secret talks. Their candid conversations began after a gunman opened fire at two Massachusetts abortion clinics nearly thirty years ago. The attack left two women dead and five people injured.

In this episode, we learn the extraordinary story of how Anne and Frances gained a much deeper understanding and respect for one another. They even became friends, but did not find common ground on the issue that divides them. Neither changed their views about access to abortion.

Both Frances and Anne were among those profiled in the new documentary, The Abortion Talks, about what happened after the deadly attacks. On this episode of Let’s Find Common Ground, both of them explain how difficult it was to be part of many hours of grueling conversations. We hear how they learned to overcome fear, stereotyping and anger. Our podcast includes moments of warmth, humor and surprise.