Young Leaders, Activists Gather for Panel Discussion on Reproductive Rights
Young leaders and activists gathered for a knock-out panel discussion sponsored by Choice USA and Campus Progress. The event celebrated the 38th anniversary of the landmark decision of Roe v. Wade.
In front of a packed house of 150 young people, the panel of reproductive justice leaders grappled with topics of youth activism, abortion access, and the future of the movement.
"There are lots of pro-choice youths," said Justine Sarver, former Vice President at Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. "What made it [reproductive justice] popular and have relevance were younger people taking leadership," said Amy Richards, author of Manifesta: Young Women, Feminism, and the Future.
Panelists also stressed the need for young people to lead and push the movement forward. "Roe is just one step. We haven't reached the final destination," said Jamia Wilson, a charge that was echoed through numerous tweets via live feed.
Campus Progress interns Abby Burkhardt and Christine Keener check out the Choice USA swag.
Ding! Round 1: Shelby Knox (left) and Miriam Madrid coming out fighting (sort of). Their first topic: the role of young people in the reproductive justice movement.
An attendee is not afraid to challenge the panelists with a question; other questions were fielded from a live Twitter feed.
(Left to right) Panelists Justine Sarver, Amy Richards, Shelby Knox, Miriam Madrid, Jamia Wilson, and Andrew Jenkins join in a chorus of "We Are the Champions" during a dance party that concluded the event.
Check out video highlights from the event Campus Progress co-hosted with Choice USA on young peoples' role in the reproductive justice movement. Young leaders went head-to-head and debated numerous topics, including youth activism, advocacy, abortion access and funding, and the 2012 elections.
