Hilary Swank; Miscarriage in lockdown; Muslim women write about love and desire - a podcast by BBC Radio 4

Hilary Swank, the two time Oscar-winning actress of Boys Don’t Cry and Million Dollar Baby, stars in new Netflix drama Away. She plays Commander Emma Green who leaves behind her husband and daughter to lead an international crew of astronauts on a perilous three-year mission to Mars. She talks to Jane about being an astronaut, dealing with claustrophobia, caring for her Dad, Devon cream teas, and parrots.

1 in 4 women will lose a baby during pregnancy or birth. During lockdown NHS maternity services carried on, but new rules were brought in to minimise patient contact to protect pregnant women and staff – but how did this affect people who were going through a miscarriage? Helen and Fatma who both miscarried at the height of lockdown share their experiences and we hear from consultant gynaecologist Dr Christine Ekechi.

New book A Match Made in Heaven – British Muslim Women Write About Love And Desire tells many different stories about sex and relationships. Featuring emerging writers who took part in writing workshops in Leeds, Bradford and Glasgow as well as more established talent, the aim was to get beyond the stereotypes of subservient Muslim women. Editors Nafhesa Ali and Claire Chambers and the writer Noren Haq join Jane.

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