Suffolk University’s latest Ford Hall Forum brought a group of panelists together to discuss gender equality and reproductive rights to mark the second anniversary of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling.
Topics of the discussion ranged from the definition of reproductive justice to movement patterns within the United States since Dobbs opened up the floodgates for independent state-by-state rulings for laws regarding abortion policies and gender-affirming health care.
Chair and Associate Professor of Communication, Journalism and Media, Shoshana Madmoni-Gerber, was the event moderator.
Special guest speakers included the Director of Family Advocacy at Glad Legal Advocates and Defenders, Patience “Polly” Crozier, CEO of TransHealth, Dallas Ducar and Executive Director of HealthQ, Kristie Monast.
This is the second year a Ford Hall Forum has tackled discussions surrounding the Dobbs ruling.
“The conversation about the impact of the Dobbs decision is crucial because we must prevent the normalization of this decision and its consequences. Last year, we titled this discussion Reproductive Rights are Human Rights, and this is maybe the main point here,” said Madmoni-Gerber.
Since then, tension has risen even more with regulations and laws changing at a rapid pace from state to state regarding abortion and gender-affirming care.
“Yes, we have regressed, the last year has been difficult to access care or work in care,” said Monast.
Monast went on to explain that many people are unaware of the medical services that can legally be provided in their state and relocation has increased. Talk of internal migration occurring in the US has been included in the conversation for years and the term “vote with your feet,” meaning to move states as an act of rebellion against the origin states views, is nothing new.
The panelists are professionals in their fields, dedicating their life’s work to keeping others safe and comfortable in their own skin and homes while also putting their own lives at risk. Due to violent retaliation regarding topics such as abortion, Monast had to go to lengths such as keeping her camera off during the webinar and withholding photographs or headshots on the staff page of HealthQ for their protection.
Crozier gave insight on the multilayer definition of reproductive justice which includes full autonomy over your own body, including having the choice to have or not have children, birth and parent children with dignity and the ability to live and raise a family in a safe, healthy environment.
In 2024, there are currently 24 states with some form of ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth, but Dobbs’ impact was far-reaching to a plethora of communities.
“Dobbs was an attack on everybody,” said Cozier.
When Ducar got her turn with the mic, she highlighted the increasing movement to Massachusetts because of the state’s progressive views and legislation.
When Madmoni-Gerber asked what the media was doing right in this conversation, Ducar recalled a heartwarming story where a young trans youth sought her out in her office to meet a successful woman like herself in a position such as CEO. Ducar said they had a completely normal conversation, unrelated to their health or gender, just a talk between a young girl and someone she was inspired by.
This Ford Hall Forum, sponsored by several Suffolk departments, touched upon sensitive topics that are at the center of many national conversations in politics, news and social networks.
“This is a conversation that should never stop until this ruling is reversed. Our university considers social justice and [Diversity, Equity and Inclusion] at the heart of our mission, so discussing how these laws affect women, LGBTQ individuals, migrants and all of us should remain at the top of our agenda,” said Madmoni-Gerber. “This is especially significant to students who are planning to work in nonprofit organizations and study in majors and programs such as Global and Cultural Communication, Journalism, Black Studies and Women and Gender Studies.”
The Gender Equality and Reproductive Rights After Dobbs webinar recording will be available in the Suffolk Digital archives.
