E3 | Justice In Action: Social Justice Lawyering Strategies: Reproductive Rights | 02/06/2024
Roe was never enough. In this episode, Professor Cindy Soohoo, Co-Director of the Human Rights & Gender Justice Clinic, leads a forward-looking conversation with three alumni working at the forefront of reproductive justice. Adapted from the Social Justice Lawyering Strategies to Confront the New Administration series, the discussion envisions the landscape and dream for reproductive justice, anticipated challenges under the current administration, and a strategic framework to confront the criminalization of care, advance the fight for abortion access, and redefine what it means to build a movement.
Panel:
Professor Cindy Soohoo – Co-Director, Human Rights and Gender Justice Clinic, CUNY Law
Amanda Allen ’08 – Co-founder & Deputy Executive Director, The Lawyering Project
Katie Corwin ’24 – Legal Fellow, Reproductive Rights Law Initiative
Key Takeaways
Why Roe Was Never Enough: The legal framework established by Roe v. Wade focused on privacy rather than human rights, leaving gaps in comprehensive reproductive justice.
Legal Challenges Post-Dobbs: States have implemented a patchwork of abortion laws, creating significant barriers to care and leading to reproductive healthcare deserts.
Threats to Medication Abortion: Medication abortion is facing unprecedented legal threats, with potential restrictions undermining access in multiple states.
Community-Centered Advocacy: Beyond legal battles, advocates stress building robust community support systems for those navigating reproductive healthcare challenges.
Envisioning a Future Beyond Legal Defense: Moving away from crisis management to proactive legal frameworks that secure long-term reproductive justice.
Video Clips
Prof. Cindy Soohoo on why Roe was never enough
Katie Corwin ’24 on what she learned at CUNY Law
Farah Diaz-Tello ’09 on what’s different about CUNY Law
Amanda Allen ’08 on what’s different about a CUNY Law degree
Go inside the conversations, classrooms, and collective efforts happening at CUNY Law with Sustained, a podcast about how lawyers, organizers, and communities are carrying social justice advocacy forward—not for a moment, but with the movements.
