Pro-choice activist Bill Baird will speak about his 40-year struggle for abortion rights and about the significance of this year's presidential election in that struggle at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1, in the Villard Room, Main Building, Vassar College. Baird's lecture, sponsored by the Feminist Alliance, is free of charge and open to the public.
Baird will explain why he believes this year's presidential election is crucial to women's reproductive rights. With anywhere from two to four U.S. Supreme Court Justices expected to retire within four years, the next president will appoint judges who could overturn previous decisions like Row v. Wade. He will also discuss the potential power of groups that seek to interfere with reproductive rights, such as the Christian Coalition.
Baird is no stranger to opposition. Since 1963, he has fought for women's reproductive rights on every level from the abortion clinic to the Supreme Court. After establishing the nation's first non-profit birth control and abortion facility in 1964, he was jailed eight times in five states for lecturing on birth control and abortion rights. He has received death threats and had his clinic attacked by fire and chemical bombs.
The only non-lawyer in American history with three Supreme Court victories - all concerning reproductive rights - Baird is responsible for legalizing birth control for unmarried people. Illegal in 26 states before 1972's Baird v. Eisenstadt overturned this law, the decision paved the way for 1973's Roe v. Wade.
His two other Supreme Court victories, Baird v. Bellotti I & II, gave minors the right to an abortion without parental veto.
For additional information, contact the Office of College Relations at (845) 437-7400. Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations may contact Cathy Jennings, Office of Campus Activities, (845) 437-5370, as far in advance as possible to request appropriate and reasonable accommodations.
Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.
Individuals with disabilities requiring accommodations or information on accessibility should contact Campus Activities Office at (845) 437-5370. Without sufficient notice, appropriate space and/or assistance may not be available.
Vassar College is a highly selective, coeducational, independent, residential liberal arts college founded in 1861.
The press is welcome to events, activities, and other campus programs that are open to the general public.
Please notify the Media Relations Department when you want to photograph, record, or interview faculty, students, staff, or guests of the college.
Find the people, expertise, and information you need by contacting:
Media Relations Department
(845) 437-7404
jekosmacher@vassar.edu
(please indicate your deadline)