Is this a case of being a criminal or being gay?

In this episode of American Dreams: Reproductive Justice we continue the conversation of incarceration and what can happen when women are incarcerated while pregnant. We want to introduce you to Sammy Werkheiser. A wife, mother, and former dance teacher in New York who loved working with children and lost everything after being accused of molesting her own daughter. She spent years in prison fighting for rights to be free and to be a mother.

We later hear from Dr. Mike Koeings, Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Wisconsin Madison and Aaron HIcks, a formerly incarcerated man who is now a reentry coordinator, who are working together to change how mental health issues caused by incarceration are approached and studied.

This episode discusses domestic and intimate partner violence and sexual assault. If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, call 1 800 799 SAFE.

American Dreams: Reproductive Justice is hosted, created and executive produced by Erika Washington

Associate Producer Simone Endress

Edited by: Erika Washington, Simone Endress and Wil Black

Researcher: Simone Endress

Editing and Music Supervision by Wil Black for Black Gypsy Music

Graphic Design by Mingo Collaso

American Dreams courtesy of Flobots

Special thanks to KUNV 91.5

This podcast is empowered by Make it Work Nevada, a Project of Tides Advocacy

For more information please visit Make It Work Nevada.org and find us on all the socials to learn more about our work to create a world we all can thrive in.