Geoffrey R. Stone, Edward H. Levi Distinguished Service Professor of Law, University of Chicago
“The Constitutional Right to Abortion: Past, Present, and Future”

In this talk, Prof. Stone will discuss the history of abortion pre- Roe v. Wade, and the circumstances surrounding the 1972 decision. He will draw on his unique insights from the vantage point as a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice William J. Brennan, Jr. at the time of the decision. He will then look at the legal and political developments between Roe and Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization, the 2022 decision that overturned Roe. He will end with his thoughts on the Court’s decision in Dobbs and what we might expect for the constitutional right to abortion in the future.

A reception will follow. This event is open to the public.

This convening is open to all invitees who are compliant with UChicago vaccination requirements and, because of ongoing health risks, particularly to the unvaccinated, participants are expected to adopt the risk mitigation measures (masking and social distancing, etc.) appropriate to their vaccination status as advised by public health officials or to their individual vulnerabilities as advised by a medical professional. Public convening may not be safe for all and carries a risk for contracting COVID-19, particularly for those unvaccinated. Participants will not know the vaccination status of others and should follow appropriate risk mitigation measures.