“The Network” traces the history and spread of self-managed abortion methods following the loss of clinic access after Roe v. Wade was overturned. Drawing on extensive, multilingual reporting, it shows how Brazilian women pioneered the use of misoprostol and built support systems to share information and care. The story highlights not just the drug’s impact, but the development of “accompaniment” networks—informal, community-based systems that have shaped abortion access across Latin America and influenced practices in the U.S.
Judges’ comments:
This was a joy to hear. So well-written and involving, and it covered a topic — a movement to help women have safe abortions without doctors — that is not well-known and often misunderstood. By focusing on the global network behind self-managed medication abortion, the reporting feels both original and urgent.
I loved how the story wove the stories of the past and the present so seamlessly. The writing is clear, fluid and highly engaging, guiding us through a complex, global story that weaves personal anecdotes with policy, history and science while maintaining clarity and momentum. Above all, The Network used natural and ambient sound to help paint pictures and set scenes. What elevates this series is its reliance on voices, which were steeped in emotion and built a powerful sense of presence and trust with listeners. Many podcasts these days use music to set the story tone, and they use sound effects and news clips to help drive the story. But nat sound places listeners inside a story, and makes the story felt rather than just heard. In this case, the story took us to Rio de Janeiro and Recife in Brazil, and that was the best and most involving part of this piece. Excellent job overall. Strong reporting and good sound.