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Roe v. Wade lawyer to speak at UMaine

Visit spurs free speech, abortion dialogue on campus

By Mary Payson

Posted on Jan. 29, 2004, at 12:00 a.m.

The landmark Roe v. Wade Supreme Court case, which legalized abortion in the United States, happened 31 years ago last Thursday, but it has some University of Maine students talking today.

Sarah Weddington, who at age 26 argued on behalf of Jane Roe, an unmarried woman who was prevented from having an abortion because of Texas law, will speak at 7 p.m. tonight in 100 DPC as part of the Guest Lecture Series.

On Jan. 22, 1973, the Supreme Court ruled in the case of Roe v. Wade, declaring that the U.S. Constitution protects a woman’s right to decide whether to end a pregnancy. Seven justices voted in favor of the right to abortion under limited circumstances, and two dissented. Existing abortion laws were immediately made invalid in every state except New York.

Weddington has played many roles throughout her life, including presidential adviser on women’s issues for Jimmy Carter, general counsel for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and member of the Texas House of Representatives. She continues to work on the behalf of women’s issues and is writing a second book following her first work, “A Question of Choice,” which details her involvement in the Roe v. Wade case.

The controversial case has some student groups and educators buzzing.

“I think it is awful that a person will come to the University of Maine and argue that it is an acceptable practice to kill babies; born or unborn does not matter,” said sophomore Jason Cutter.

Senior Sarah Blake said Weddington should be allowed to speak on campus, but disagrees with her pro-abortion stance.

“I do not think it is wrong for Sarah Weddington to be invited to speak at the University of Maine, but it does sadden me,” Blake said. “I think that every person has a right to live, and our government is supposed to protect that right. It seems horrible to me that anyone would argue that it is okay to take away an innocent person’s right to live, for any reason.

Weddington’s visit is sponsored by Student Entertainment, whose budget is funded through UMaine Student Government with student activity fees. Weddington’s speech will focus on women leaders and women’s roles in society.

The Catholic Student Association’s adviser is keeping a neutral viewpoint.

“I don’t think that the university should limit its choice of speakers depending on political or religious views,” said Casey Murphy, also a campus minister. “In fact, I think that it is good to bring controversial figures to campus, to help people shape what they think, or feel, or believe. Sometimes it is when we hear a voice that we disagree with that we are able to shape what we believe and articulate what our values are.”

Sandy Caron, a professor of human sexuality and family relations, said Weddington could offer UMaine’s female students some historical perspective on abortion.

“Sarah Weddington offers us an interesting glimpse into the history of abortion rights, especially for today’s traditional-aged college women who have lived their entire lives with the ability to choose.”

Sharon Barker, director of the Women’s Resource Center, said Weddington’s visit stands for freedom of expression and a woman’s right to choose.

“Of course I support Sarah Weddington’s presence on campus,” she said. “I believe in freedom of speech and expression as well as choice in reproductive rights and separation of church and state.”

News Editor Jackie Farwell contributed to this report.

This entry was posted on Thursday, January 29th, 2004, 12:00 am. You can follow any responses to this article through the RSS feed.