This years conference – themed, “Many Voices One Vision: Reclaiming our Rights” – had many speakers: scholars, activists, attorneys, some a medley of all three. Despite their varied backgrounds, each focused on communication: how can we most effectively communicate our message both internally and as advocates? Many panelists offered insights: we need to gravitate away from “choice” because it doesn’t resonate with the younger generation; the movement’s rhetoric must focus on women’s autonomy; we need to pay attention to polling when picking our words; and (my favorite) government oversight for reproductive healthcare should resemble regulation of the airplane industry – the government cannot tell someone when or where to fly, but they are partially responsible for stabilized prices, safety, and accessibility.

A major lesson? It is hard to pinpoint fluid, easy, passionate language to use as an advocate in this debate. However, one of the speakers came pretty close. Loretta Ross (National Coordinator of SisterSong (www.sistersong.net/) and National Co-Director of the 2004 March for Women’s Lives) shared her phrase of choice – “reproductive justice.” As a former RAC Legislative Assistant, I thought this squared nicely with the Reform Movement’s agenda. Reproductive justice highlights the need for access to reproductive healthcare for all people regardless of geographical location, financial situation, or background. Reproductive justice puts a premium on education so that individuals can make informed decisions about their bodies and their ballots. Reproductive justice applies not only to the struggle within the United States, but addresses global reproductive health concerns. Reproductive justice represents the type of imperative that many of us feel regarding this issue and have difficulty articulating. No one at the conference (nor I) advised dropping “choice” from our vernacular. Rather, give choice a new friend; “reproductive justice” will be an excellent addition to your rhetorical bag of tricks. On days when you’re feeling a little lonely in your struggle, make sure to use it. It is guaranteed to remind you why you continue to fight.

Law students without a LSFC chapter on your campus can get connected and start your own! For those spending the summer in Washington, DC – sign onto the LSFC listserv and meet with likeminded law students for discussion panels, speakers, etc. If you are interested in integrating resources from the religious community you can of course look to the RAC, and also check out Spiritual Youth for Reproductive Freedom (SYRF).