Fighting for Reproductive Freedom: The Science, Law, and Politics of Abortion

Abortion is a critical health care issue that demands informed discourse and action, yet the conversation is often reduced to slogans rather than substance. This talk explores the complexities of abortion through a social science lens, giving listeners the tools to understand the lived realities of people accessing abortion services.

Dr. Tanya Saroj Bakhru, Professor of Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at San Jose State University, draws on her research in reproductive justice and transnational feminism to trace the shifts that have shaped perceptions of abortion over time. Joining her is Dr. Grace E. Howard, Associate Professor of Justice Studies at San José State University and author of The Pregnancy Police, whose work focuses on reproductive law and policy, the criminalization of pregnancy, and the legal dimensions of abortion, contraception, miscarriage, and reproductive rights.

Together, they look beyond the United States to global perspectives on abortion practices in countries like India, Ireland, and South Korea, equipping the audience for informed discussions about reproductive rights worldwide. Tanya also shares case studies of successful advocacy, showing how human rights frameworks can drive policy change.

Come ready for a grounded, global conversation about one of the most contested issues of our time.