DIY reproductive & sexual health workshops/discussions with the Doohickey Project.

You are invited to...

A community discussion with workshops on menstrual cycles, abortion options, and sexual health. This Santa Cruz event is part of a cross-country tour.

The Workshops Offered:

Facilitated Discussion on Abortion Options - A discussion on options for promoting bleeding. Including an explanation of clinical abortion procedure, access and legalities. An introduction to how plants can affect the uterus, and a description of menstrual extraction.

Anatomy and Self-examination - An overview of external and internal sexual and reproductive organs, with a focus on the redefinition of the clitoris. An option of guided cervical self-exams with speculums where time and space permits.

Menstruation, physiology and fertility cycles - A playful rundown of the menstrual cycle, the hormones involved and basic fertility signs.

What is the Doohickey Project?

The Doohickey Project is a few friends struggling to reclaim knowledge and control over our bodies. We are not doctors. We are not experts. We have been studying reproductive health through herbal school, personal experience, and among groups of friends. We believe that sharing information and supporting each other is an empowering way to grow and learn.
We each feel a strong desire to be interacting with people outside of our immediate age and race, and have been grappling with how to build those bridges.

Why...

Because knowing your body parts and functions means greater understanding of self.
Because due to high cost, lack of availability and other factors, clinical abortions are already not an option for many people.
Because as legislation further threatens access, it is important to develop community based abortion options rather than solely depending on the state for solutions.
Because creating viable and supportive abortion options for the present might mean recirculating the wisdom of past and present cultures and generations. Because the dominant health care programs in the US function within a system of white supremacy, strict class divisions, assumed heterosexuality, enforced gender binary, capitalism and specialized knowledge.
Because mainstream culture thrives off of alienation from our bodies and our unfortunate dependence upon doctors.
Because there is so much to be learned by sharing together outside of those structures as much as possible.

Disclaimer:

We wish to (re)emphasize that one focus of the tour is on abortion options. If this is something that you are fundamentally opposed to, you might want to consider not coming. We are making no attempts to change your opinion on that matter and expect the same courtesy from others. This will not be a forum for discussing the ethics of abortion. This will be a safer space for people of color, transgendered people and those who have had abortions. If you compromise their or others' safety and comfort, you will be asked to leave.

Be sure to see the beautiful flyer, posted here.

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