Physician and OB/GYN John McHugh

Let’s Make a Plan!

John McHugh is a board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN), physician, and fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. Before joining the Zócalo/California Wellness Foundation event, “Can California Lead a New Reproductive Rights Movement?”— put on in partnership with Esperanza Community Housing’s multidisciplinary arts festival South Central Innervisions: An AfroLatinxFuturism— McHugh spoke with us in the green room about the calming side of rough water swimming, why Brussel sprouts are the vegetable, and why we should stop checking our emails after 3 p.m.

L.A. County Public Health Director Barbara Ferrer

There’s Nothing We Do by Ourselves

Barbara Ferrer serves as the director of Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. Before joining the Zócalo/California Wellness Foundation event, “Can California Lead a New Reproductive Rights Movement?”—put on …

Black Women for Wellness’s Janette Robinson-Flint | Zocalo Public Square • Arizona State University • Smithsonian

Black Women for Wellness’ Janette Robinson-Flint

We Can Create a Meaningful Shift in Reproductive Justice

Janette Robinson-Flint is the executive director of Black Women for Wellness. Before sitting on a panel for the Zócalo/California Wellness Foundation event, “Can California Lead a New Reproductive Rights Movement?”— …

Kindred Space LA’s Allegra Hill

Motherhood Is Such a Vast Experience

Allegra Hill is a licensed midwife and the co-founder and co-owner of Kindred Space LA. She has trained and mentored birth doulas since 2013 and has participated in the training …

Our Favorite Essays of 2022 | Zocalo Public Square • Arizona State University • Smithsonian

Our Favorite Essays of 2022

From Behind Prison Walls to a Container Ship Out at Sea to the World’s Largest Refugee Camp, Zócalo’s Contributors Traversed the World to Report on the Human Condition

In 2022, Zócalo’s contributors reported from the front lines of a changing world, looking to foster conversation—and curiosity—about the way we live now.

While selecting just 10 essays from the scores …

California Doesn’t Need a New Abortion Measure | Zocalo Public Square • Arizona State University • Smithsonian

California Doesn’t Need a New Abortion Measure

Prop 1 Might Have Good Intentions, But It Puts Fundamental Rights at Risk

California’s leaders shouldn’t put fundamental rights up for a vote. But the legislature and governor have nonetheless chosen to add Proposition 1 to this November’s ballot.

At first glance, Prop 1 …