PMC Announces Production of Crossing the Line, a Brand-New Podcast

Reproductive rights in the United States are threatened daily. Now, more than ever is the time to tell first-person stories of women and individuals seeking abortions and the people who help them access these services – even if it means crossing state lines to get there.

Population Media Center (PMC), a global non-profit and production entity that creates popular entertainment for social and environmental good, will produce a brand-new podcast shining light on the fight for reproductive freedom in the United States.

Crossing the Line, a 10-episode docu-style podcast, will follow the incredible journeys of real women and individuals seeking abortion care despite legislative, geographic, socio-economic, or other barriers.

“In many parts of this country, individuals seeking reproductive healthcare must travel hundreds of miles, and often across state lines, to find it,” said Lisa Caruso, Population Media Center’s Head of U.S. Content and creator of Crossing the Line. “Now, we’re amplifying their personal stories and giving a voice to their journey.”

Crossing The Line Podcast Trailer

PMC has successfully used transformative storytelling with radio and television series to change attitudes and behaviors on reproductive health globally. Vencer el Miedo (“Overcome the Fear”), a PMC-produced telenovela in Mexico, reached 3.5 million nightly viewers in 2020 and moved the needle on contraception use and adolescent sex education. East Los High, PMC’s successful U.S. television series inspired 28,000 new users to download Planned Parenthood’s app during the first season of the show.

“Our goal with U.S. Content is to create engaging content around specific issues that not only draws in audiences in but also aims to educate, as well as changing the national dialogue,” says Caruso.

For the first time in almost 50 years, Roe v. Wade, which has protected an individual’s right to abortion, is in danger of being overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court in June 2022. If this happens, over 21 states could ban or severely restrict abortion access — making safe and legal abortions in the United States a priority human rights issue for PMC.

“The need for access to reproductive services in America is urgent,” says Caruso. “With these first-person narratives, our listeners will take the journey with individuals and those helping them navigate the path across family lines, emotional lines, and state lines. Crossing the Line will reveal the human side to each of these stories, as told from the frontline in the fight for reproductive rights.”