The Commons at KU to launch series of discussions on reproductive justice

The Commons at the University of Kansas is planning a series of discussions this fall that will highlight the complexities of reproductive justice.

Since the U.S. Supreme Court issued its ruling on Dobbs v. Jackson in June — overturning the ruling in Roe v. Wade that had protected abortion rights at the federal level — “discussions around the globe have targeted the unknown future of reproductive rights in the United States,” according to a KU news release about the events. “Through a series of discussions, each featuring a panel of speakers from diverse fields, University of Kansas researchers will gather to further inform the conversation.”

“… The considerations surrounding legislation on reproductive rights often appear on ballots reduced to binary decisions, which obscure the many and layered contexts within which they exist,” according to the release. “This series will draw upon the knowledge of researchers and practitioners across areas of study and service, to help inform audiences about the roots and ramifications of present-day discussions around reproductive rights.”

The events will include researchers in disciplines from across the university, as well as resources and information specific to KU students.

The first event in the series is set for 5:30 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 6. The following panelists will speak on the topic of “Kansas and the Region in Broader Context”:

Alesha Doan, professor of women, gender and sexuality studies and of public affairs and administration; Don Haider-Markel, professor of political science; Sarah Kessler, associate professor of family medicine and community health, KU Medical Center; Sam Brody, associate professor of religious studies; Rachel Gadd-Nelson, health educator, Health Education Resource Office; and Nikita Haynie, director of the Emily Taylor Center for Women & Gender Equity.

Doan is co-leading the events series with Emily Ryan, director of The Commons.

“We can expect to see abortion rights political battles unfold for the foreseeable future,” Doan said in the release. “As they develop, the legal chaos and public health crisis created by the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision will continue to affect thousands of people who no longer have agency and autonomy to chart the course of their reproductive lives.”

Registration for Tuesday’s online event is available at this link. Add the event to your calendar or share it with a friend via this link.

The second event is set for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 12. That discussion will be framed around “Impact and Access Across Populations,” according to the release.

Learn more and check out additional events on The Commons at KU website. Anyone who needs assistance can contact thecommons@ku.edu.

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