Neeta Satam

The state of Missouri became the first US state to ban abortion on Friday, May 24, 2022, hours after a Supreme Court ruling. Illinois has now become an abortion oasis in the American Midwest.  Dr. Hector Zevallos founded the Hope Clinic in 1974. He and his wife were abducted from their home in 1982. They were held hostage for eight days by the Christian terrorist organization, the 'Army of God', before being released. Over the years, this clinic in an ultra-conservative town has received backlash, such as contractors refusing to provide emergency repair services for the facility. 

During several of my visits to the Hope Clinic and the Planned Parenthood on media assignments, I have seen anti-abortion groups, such as the 40-Days of Life, shame patients and staff entering the clinic. Inside the clinic, I have had the opportunity to photograph and read cards and letters expressing gratitude sent by abortion rights supporters and patients. 

Bio

Neeta Satam is a photographer and a National Geographic Explorer based in Mumbai and Saint Louis, Mo whose work explores the themes of cultural assimilation, gender equity, and the environment through photography. Her personal history and cultural identity have always influenced both the issues that draw her as a visual journalist and the work itself. Her work has been published in The New York Times, The Guardian, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Le Monde, NPR, Bloomberg News, and numerous other publications.