Abortion is Essential for Democracy

It is a perilous moment for abortion rights in America. Texas law S.B. 8, banning the provision of nearly all abortions in the state, has been in effect since last September. New restrictions are being introduced and passed across the country. And the U.S. Supreme Court will soon rule in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, which poses a direct challenge to Roe v. Wade.

What are the democratic dysfunctions that have led to this pivotal point? How should we consider parallel affronts to participation and representation – the wave of voting restrictions and outsize role of big money in politics – and the anti-abortion agenda? Can we look to state courts to provide new avenues for protecting reproductive rights? And what is the legal and societal impact of criminalizing pregnancy and abortion, especially on communities of color?

Speakers:

Opening Remarks:

Jennifer Weiss-Wolf, Fellow, Brennan Center for Justice; Executive Director for Partnerships and Strategy, Ms. Magazine

Moderator:

Michele Bratcher Goodwin, Chancellor’s Professor of Law, University of California, Irvine; Executive Producer, Ms. Studios and On the Issues podcast

Panelists:

Melissa Murray, Frederick I. and Grace Stokes Professor of Law, NYU Law; Faculty Director, Birnbaum Women’s Law Network; Member, Brennan Center Board of Directors

Lourdes Rivera, Senior Vice President, U.S. Programs, Center for Reproductive Rights

Monica Raye Simpson, Executive Director, SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective

Closing Remarks:

Kathy Spillar, Executive Editor, Ms. Magazine; Executive Director, Feminist Majority Foundation

This Brennan Center for Justice event is produced in partnership with NYU Law's Birnbaum Women's Leadership Network and Ms. Magazine.