‘Political Speech and The Public Square’ talks reproductive rights

The Political Speech and The Public Square speaker series event began its second session of the year on Tuesday, following the first session held on Sept. 10. Centered around the theme “What’s at Stake for Me in the 2024 Election?” the session offered the University of Michigan community an opportunity to listen to and learn from each other. To participate, students and faculty registered to give speeches at the event, sharing a variety of perspectives on reproductive rights. 

Speakers were allowed three to five minutes to give their speeches. Rackham student Anna Whitney, Rackham Student Government chair of legislative affairs, began by speaking on the intersection between student rights and reproductive rights. 

“I think concerns on campus about any rights, including reproductive rights, are exacerbated by the general pushback against student protests that we’ve seen across the country and on the University’s campus in the past year,” Whitney said. “Students are asking themselves, ‘If I lose my rights, where do I turn next? What is a productive outlet for channeling that frustration towards people in positions of power?’ It’s hard to imagine a pathway forward when those same students fear being arrested if they were to protest on campus, on public property.”

Whitney said Rackham Student Government prioritizes and facilitates student discussion on important issues such as reproductive rights.

“One of the goals of Rackham Student Government is to help students not only have conversations about these topics but actually help students make a difference,” Whitney said. “We have open seats on our board, and at every board meeting, we have open time for discussion where anyone can bring up any topic that they think concerns them. As a student, I highly encourage people to get involved, especially if you care about reproductive rights on campus.”

Kristin Collier, clinical associate professor at Michigan Medicine, gave a speech arguing against abortion, saying she believes science supports the idea that abortion ends a human life. She argued that the nation should focus on supporting mothers and their children.

“We know that abortion tracks with intimate partner violence, with coercion from a partner, with threats of homelessness, abandonment, loss of scholarships and jobs, all terrible, horrific things,” Collier said. “As a developed, creative, resource-rich nation and a justice-oriented one, we should do better by women and their babies and think about what we all, individually and collectively, must do to protect both our most vulnerable members of Homo sapiens, babies and their mothers.”

LSA junior Mariah Stewart discussed the importance of access to contraceptives, speaking from her experience using birth control to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder and severe menstruation symptoms. 

“The fight for reproductive rights includes Plan B, condoms, birth control, birth control shots, IUDs and more,” Stewart said. “I can guarantee you, every person in this crowd knows someone that uses one of these methods. Who are you to say they shouldn’t have access to them? Why should the government get to control methods used for medical reasons, including preventing pregnancy and beyond?”

LSA freshman Madison Leads said in an interview with The Daily that she appreciated the respectful environment the event’s format provided, allowing differing opinions to be heard.

“It was interesting to see perspectives on both sides,” Leads said. “I also think it’s important that everybody was able to speak in an inclusive environment, where everyone was listening respectfully without protest against what they were saying.” 

Stewart told The Daily that she believes it is important to do independent research in addition to listening to the views of others. 

“I enjoy hearing people from different perspectives, so it was great to hear from other students and what they think,” Stewart said. “It’s important to keep in mind what is at stake in the election this fall when you’re listening to other people’s opinions, and really go to research candidates and what they are supporting so you can make your own informed vote. Just listening to what speakers say on both sides is not good enough, you need to do your own research.” 

Daily Staff Reporter Thomas Gala-Garza can be reached at tmgala@umich.edu.

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