In collaboration with Southern Utah University’s Department of Theatre, Dance and Arts Administration’s production of “Roe,” the Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service’s Pizza and Politics discussed the Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade and American abortion rights on April 10.
Presenters Cambria Slaugh and Sydney Hoag opened the presentation by explaining abortion rights across the country before Roe v. Wade. From the 1700s to the 1800s, abortion was permitted until the “quickening,” or technical fetal movement, which takes place in the 18- to 21-week frame of pregnancy. From 1850 to 1900, nearly every state passed laws outlawing abortion with few exceptions. Seventeen states amended those laws from 1962 to 1972 to allow abortions in cases such as rape and health risks.
Hoag and Slaugh then posed, “What do you know about Roe v. Wade?” One student answered, “The goal of the case wasn’t to decide whether or not abortion was good or bad but just who had the choice.”
Following the question, the presenters delved into the major figures of the case, starting with Norma McCorvey, the plaintiff widely known by the alias “Jane Roe.” They then noted Sarah Weddington, the 26-year-old lawyer for McCorvey, and Henry Wade, the then district attorney of Dallas County, Texas.
Slaugh and Hoag then explained the outcome and aftermath of the case: the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in favor of McCorvey, leading to the establishment of the 14th Amendment that provides a “right to privacy” while also instating a trimester timetable for pregnancy.
To conclude, the presenters discussed modern changes to abortion rights across the country such as the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling and the recent invitro-fertilization ruling in Alabama that classifies frozen embryos as children.
“Roe” opened Wednesday, April 10, at 7:30 p.m. with subsequent shows on April 12, 13, 18 and a matinee on April 20 at 2 p.m. The next Pizza and Politics will discuss conspiracy theories and be held on April 17 at noon in the Leavitt Center.
Author: Aidan Mortensen
Photo courtesy of the Leavitt Center
Editor: Anna Mower
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