Reproductive Rights and the New Supreme Court
Supreme Court justices have the power to influence every factor of our lives with their decisions as the highest court in the United States -- from the right to privacy to the right to free speech. Supreme Court decisions affect every law in the nation, and Supreme Court justices serve lifetime appointments. In 1973, Roe v. Wade was decided by a 7-2 majority of the Supreme Court.
The most recent Supreme Court decision on abortion in 1999 was decided by a razor thin margin of 5-4 in favor of abortion rights. The appointment of even one more anti-choice justice could result in the reversal of Roe v. Wade.
With the death of Justice William Rehnquist, President George W. Bush has nominated the DC circuit Judge John Roberts to be Chief Justice of the United Staes. If confirmed, Judge Roberts would be the most powerful judge in the United States for decades to come. Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, often credited with maintaining the fragile balance that has upheld Roe, has resigned, providing the current administration with the opportunity to appoint another justice.
How would these appointments affect a woman’s right to choose? What would be the effect of a US Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade? What is the future of women’s reproductive rights in the United States?
Everywoman’s Center will host a panel presentation/discussion addressing these issues. Panelists will include:
* Amanda Collings, Health Educator and Director of the Women’s Health Project, UMass Amherst
* Lucy Hartry, Director of Administrative Services, Tapestry Health Services
* Professor Stephanie Levin, Visiting Assistant Professor, Hampshire College
* Azi Shariatmader, Alumni Fellow of the Civil Liberties and Public Policy Program.
This event is free, open to the public and wheelchair accessible.
Co-sponsors include: the Civil Liberties Program, Hampshire College; the Women’s Health Project, Health Education, University Health
Services; and the Population and Development Program, Hampshire College.