The Supreme Court case that made abortion a constitutional right in America was handed down 33 years ago this Sunday, and campus groups on both sides of the issue are reigniting the debate.
The controversy over Roe v. Wade -- the outcome of which was delivered Jan. 22, 1973 -- is being revived as Judge Samuel Alito faces confirmation hearings for his nomination to the Supreme Court. His opinion on the case could shape the future of the abortion issue.
Across campus, groups like Penn for Life, Penn for Choice and the Penn Women's Center are getting ready to fight.
Next weekend, Penn for Life is sending a bus of students to Washington to lobby for the anti-abortion cause.
"This event shows our unity as a group, and I think it is especially important for us because we are showing pro-life unity on a campus that is primarily pro-abortion," Penn for Life President Nina Mirarchi said.
About 15 or 20 Penn students will attend the March for Life next Monday, which brings together anti-abortion activists from around the country.
Approximately three Penn for Life leaders will also attend the American Collegians for Life Conference in Washington this weekend, according to Mirarchi.
"I'm really excited, and this conference is important to all of us because we are learning how to improve our leadership skills," the College senior said.
Meanwhile, Penn for Choice will be celebrating the anniversary of Roe v. Wade.
Tomorrow, the group plans to host a "Happy Birthday, Roe v. Wade" event in Houston Hall, Penn for Choice President and College senior Leah Heifetz said.
"I think that remembering the history of how we won the right to choose is important," Heifetz said.
"Almost all college students were born long after Roe v. Wade, so we've never known what life is like without access to safe and legal abortion, and it's very easy to take it for granted," she added.
Penn for Choice will also be holding a "Sex Toy Box Social" Jan. 28 in Houston Hall's Bodek Lounge. The proceeds from the event will be donated to the Greater Philadelphia Women's Medical Fund, which provides loans and assistance to women who would like an abortion but cannot afford one.
Penn for Choice Director of Communication and College senior Niva Kramek added that the group will be working with organizers from Campusprogress.org to express concern about Alito and his views.
"Especially now, when judicial nominations are focusing national and campus attention on the importance of Supreme Court decisions and the way they impact our rights and health, we're going to make sure that the Roe anniversary is recognized," Kramek said.
Ready for Roe Groups observe the 33rd anniversary of 'Roe v. Wade'
- March for Life, Monday, Washington - Penn for Choice 'Happy Birthday, Roe v. Wade,' Jan. 26, noon to 1:30 p.m. in Houston Hall - Penn for Choice 'Sex Toy Box Social,' Jan. 28, Houston Hall. Benefits Greater Philadelphia Women's Medical Fund, which helps poor women have abortions
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