In Chapter 6, the Handmaids walk past a wall where six bodies hang from hooks — doctors executed for performing abortions that were legal when they did them. In Chapter 7, the only freedom left is inside her own head at night, where she drifts between memories she didn't choose and can't control — until one of them ends with her daughter being handed to a stranger.Banned Camp is a comedy podcast where we read banned books chapter by chapter — we don't read ahead, so you're discovering the story with us.Things To Listen For:Jennifer's theory about Christian nationalism and why Gilead doesn't actually need churchesDan asks whether Trump could keep a church algae-free for a full week and a halfRobot breaks in to explain what's actually happening when the handmaid's mind starts drifting — and to save everyone ten minutes of confusionJennifer's observation about enslaved mothers having their children taken, and why she couldn't keep reading past it without saying somethingWhy was The Handmaid's Tale banned? These two chapters get at something book banners don't want discussed: the idea that retroactive crimes — punishing people for doing legal work after the law changes — aren't a dystopian invention. They're a tool. Chapter 6 shows doctors hung for performing abortions that were legal at the time. That's not fiction to the people trying to ban this book. That's a preview.If this is your first episode, you're fine starting here. Our fact-checking Robot catches you up fast, then we read the next chapter (spoilers).Banworthy to BingeworthyTwo shows worth adding to your feed this week:Good News for Lefties — Beowulf Rochlén brings you actual good news from the world of books and free speech. This week: a California school board rejected a third attempt to remove Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye from a high school library. Find it wherever you listen.Here's The Scoop from NBC News — Daily news coverage from NBC's trusted journalists, hosted by Yasmeen Wassugian. Sharp, thoughtful, and actually informative. Listen daily wherever you get your podcasts.Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple PodcastsRate, review, and follow us on Apple Podcasts to help other scary book people find us!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/banned-camp-banned-books-comedy-and-free-speech-vs/id1676866857Featured ClipsThis episode includes short clips from Donald Trump and Fred Willard. All rights belong to their respective owners and are used here under fair use for the purpose of cultural commentary and education.DisclaimerBanned Camp features readings and discussions of banned books for the purpose of criticism, commentary, education, and entertainment, in accordance with fair use guidelines.The material used from the book The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood is shared under these principles, with the intent of provoking thought and discussion about literature, censorship, and societal issues. The original work remains fully owned by its copyright holders, and we strongly encourage listeners to purchase a copy here to experience the book in its entirety.https://bookshop.org/a/20953/9780385490818This podcast is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or officially connected to Margaret Atwood, her estate, or the publishers of The Handmaid's Tale. Any monetization of the podcast is separate from the copyrighted material discussed.Frequently Asked QuestionsWhy was The Handmaid's Tale banned?The Handmaid's Tale has been challenged or banned in American schools and libraries every single year since its publication in 1985. It was the most challenged book in the United States in 2023. It has been targeted for profanity, sexually explicit content, and content deemed "offensive to Christians." But the deeper reason is that Margaret Atwood showed what happens when a government uses religion, tradition, and "protecting families" as justification for stripping women of their rights, their names, and their autonomy. That's the part that actuall