Researchers are constantly seeking ways to reach more people with their work. The groundbreaking Turnaway Study, led by Dr. Diana Greene Foster, has already had immense influence on abortion policy and debate, giving people a look into what happens when someone is denied the abortion care they want. Now the study is breaking ground again —by bringing the research to life on the stage. 

Dr. Foster’s sister, playwright Lesley Lisa Greene, has turned the study into The Turnaway Play, which offers a behind-the-scenes look at the study and features the words of the real women who participated, allowing audiences to understand their experiences and bust myths and stigma about abortion. The play will have its Bay Area public premiere in a staged reading on April 6th at the Brava Theater, produced by the UCSF Bixby Center for Global Reproductive Health. 

"It’s a dream come true to collaborate with my sister on a creative way to bring this science to a whole new audience,” said Foster. “It’s especially meaningful right now to bring people together given our country’s legal restrictions on abortion, and to highlight the amazing, innovative work happening at the Bixby Center.”   

Bringing innovative research to the public isn’t the only way this show is drawing on the talent at UCSF. The play is directed and produced by Tammy Kremer, Public Health Communications Manager at the California Prevention Training Center.  “Working on the Turnaway Play has been an exciting and unanticipated opportunity,” said Kremer.  “I love every chance to integrate creativity with promoting access to reproductive justice. It’s especially meaningful to share the work of a Bixby Center researcher.” 

The majority of the actors are UCSF staff and learners. The show will be followed by a panel to discuss the research, the current landscape for abortion access, and what people can do to get involved. Dr. Foster will talk about her work, and she’ll be joined by Dr. Katie Brown, UCSF ob-gyn and Medical Director of the Black Wellness Clinic, and Jessical Gil of ACCESS Reproductive Justice.  

Attacks on abortion care have intensified since the Supreme Court ended the constitutional right to abortion, and the future is uncertain. The Turnaway Play is an opportunity to come together for inspiration and motivation, and to celebrate the ingenuity of the UCSF community. 

Tickets to the show are on a sliding scale starting at $20 and can be purchased here. All proceeds will benefit the Bixby Center’s work to advance reproductive autonomy worldwide.