BY KAREN BOSSICK

A free writing workshop, “Giving Voices to Our Choices,” will be held from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday March 2.

The Pro-Voice Project is holding the nonfiction writing workshop focused on personal stories of abortion and reproductive choice in partnership with Blaine County Democrats.

The workshop will be taught by Pro-Voice Executive Director Jen Jackson Quintano, who has worked with such mentors as Terry Tempest Williams to explore the power of story. Participants will be invited but not required to submit their stories for inclusion in a forthcoming abortion-story stage production planned for the Wood River Valley this summer.

All genders are welcome, as are both English and Spanish speakers. No writing experience is required. Those who can’t attend the writing are welcome to submit their personal stories by emailing jen@theprovoiceproject.com.

All contributors will remain anonymous.

Quintano said the workshop will include writing prompts, discussion, deep listening and trust building to invite participants to bring the experience of abortion out of the shadows to allow for catharsis and deeper understanding.

“It is vitally important that we share our stories,” said Quintano, “both to honor the decisions we’ve made and to engender empathy and understanding among those who have never reckoned with the circumstances that lead to seeking abortion care. If we haven’t had an abortion, we know someone who has. We love someone who has. This is an experience that touches all of us.”

Though the workshop is free, registration is required at jen@theprovoiceproject.com. Donations to offset costs are welcome and can be made at www.theprovoiceproject.com/donate.

The Pro-Voice Project is a Sandpoint-based organization inspiring Idahoans to explore, embrace and advocate for abortion access and reproductive rights. Its mission is to help people understand the abortion journey, address obstacles to care and challenge the negative stigma surrounding abortion.