On Monday, Jan. 30 the Clarke Forum held an event tackling the controversial topic of reproductive rights and how it is carried out in relation to religion, ethics and the law.

Around 120 of Dickinson and Carlisle community members showed up to listen to the speakers: Kathryn Ellis, a Unitarian Universalist Minister and David O’Connell, a Dickinson professor of Political Science who has researched religion and its influence on politics. Katie Oliviero, assistant professor of women, gender and sexuality studies moderated the event.

Kayleigh Rhatigan ’19 opened the event, commenting on the topicality of the subject in today’s political climate. She cited the recent Women’s March and the March for Life as examples of the public’s interest.

After the introduction, Oliviero made her remarks and spoke about feminist theory, history and political knowledge. She focused mainly on reproductive justice within our society while reminding the audience of the U.S.’s history of reproductive injustice.

O’Connell spoke next and discussed the current political climate and how it might affect the historic Supreme Court ruling of Roe v. Wade. O’Connell began by outlining the progression of the court’s public image, and the “wider recognition of the court’s importance” in the public’s eye within the last few decades. He assured the audience that it would take a lot for the Supreme Court to overturn the ruling, although, he said it is certainly not out of the question. Will the court overturn the ruling? “Maybe,” says O’Connell.

Ellis spoke last, describing herself as a minister who has spent the last 25 years of her career “listening to women.” She spoke of feminist author Bell Hooks, ancient history and personal experience. Ellis gave somewhat of a sermon on the current state of reproductive rights in the U.S.

After the speakers wrapped up, they briefly answered questions from the audience, which ranged from the religious to political.

Emma Weaver ’19 enjoyed the event, saying, “I always appreciate Clarke Forums that have different experts on one topic…it was a great program.”

Ann Sheehan ’71 compared her experience at Dickinson with what she observes now on campus: “We didn’t have this when I was at Dickinson. We marched instead. I’m glad they have great programs like this now.”