Expecting Advice: Reproductive Health and Consciousness Raising in the Boston Globe’s Confidential Chat Column

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article explores consciousness raising in the Boston Globe’s Confidential Chat column, documenting how, during the second wave of feminism, it became a venue where women educated themselves about reproductive health. The Chat’s nonhierarchical, participatory nature allowed women to discuss abortion, contraception, infertility, and related topics during a time when the role of women in society was undergoing profound change. Boston’s deep Catholic roots added complexities to these discussions. The findings provide historical context for modern social media discourse around reproductive choice.