The upcoming event at the Social Science and History Department promises an insightful evening for those interested in the history of reproductive rights. On Tuesday, January 21, at 6:00 p.m., a special screening of Abortion and Women’s Rights 1970 will take place, followed by a discussion that aims to explore the film’s historical significance and its implications in today’s society.
Attendees are encouraged to register for the screening and discussion, although it is not mandatory.
Mary Summers, who co-directed the documentary 55 years ago and currently serves as a lecturer in Political Science and Senior Fellow at the Fox Leadership Program at the University of Pennsylvania, shared her thoughts on the film and its relevance today. Summers discussed the film’s creation during a time when women’s voices were largely absent from the public debate on abortion, particularly in legislative discussions, which were dominated by men.
Bringing Women’s Voices to the Forefront
The inspiration for the film came when Jane Pincus, one of the project’s initiators, realized the need for women’s voices in the abortion debate after listening to a male-dominated radio discussion about a Massachusetts bill that was eventually defeated. Summers and her co-directors aimed to document women’s personal experiences to support the legalization of abortion in a climate where only a few states, like Colorado in 1967, had made it legal under limited circumstances.
Lessons from the Past
Summers hopes that the film will resonate with future audiences, particularly in 2025, by offering a window into the Women’s Liberation Movement of the 1970s. The film highlights issues such as the struggles against forced sterilizations and the plight of poor Black and Latino women who were disproportionately affected by illegal abortions. Summers reflects on the film’s potential to inspire modern audiences to consider both the achievements and limitations of past movements for reproductive rights.
Evolution of Activism
Since the landmark Roe V. Wade decision in 1973, the landscape of abortion rights activism has transformed significantly. The movement has seen a shift towards a more professional focus, with medical providers and legal experts playing key roles. Advances in technology have also made at-home medical abortions more accessible for those with the resources. However, Summers notes that many vulnerable populations remain underserved, highlighting the ongoing challenges in linking abortion access to broader social issues.
Challenges and Opportunities
The rise of the anti-abortion movement in the 1980s, fueled by conservative religious and political forces, has led to a challenging environment for abortion rights. This movement has often painted abortion clinics in a negative light, contributing to an atmosphere of fear and hostility. Despite this, Summers sees a positive outcome in the increased mobilization and efforts to secure abortion rights through referenda and constitutional amendments in various states.
The Panel Discussion
The panel discussion following the screening will feature a diverse group of experts, including the Interim Executive Director of the Abortion Liberation Fund of Pennsylvania, a law professor, a lawyer, and a historian. Summers selected these panelists for their ability to connect past and present struggles for women’s rights, and she eagerly anticipates the insights they will bring to the conversation.
For those interested in delving deeper into the subject, the Free Library encourages questions through their Ask a Librarian service, promising responses within two business days.
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