Day Five of RRW: Abortion Law & American Policy with Melissa Torres-Montoya

Please join us for our final Reproductive Rights Week event with Melissa Torres-Montoya, JD/MPH, moderated by civil rights litigator, Scott Tift.  

American abortion policy post-Dobbs: where do we go from here? How do we navigate the intersection of law and politics in the post-Dobbs landscape?

With over a decade of experience in policy and the nonprofit sphere, Melissa will share her journey as a trailblazer in the reproductive advocacy space, and offer her views on the state and the future of abortion policy. Melissa has worked at advocacy nonprofit organizations advancing policies at every level of government. Her unique and varied experience ranges from working in state and federal government, to private practice and traditional legal settings, and nonprofits. She has dedicated her professional career to addressing the lack of affordable quality healthcare in the United States and advancing sexual and reproductive autonomy. Melissa has gained extensive experience conducting legislative research, tracking, and analysis while developing expertise in translating dense policy into accessible language to prompt greater political engagement.

This event will be focused on the state of abortion policy. Melissa and Scott will be unpacking the following questions: 

Are there any policy models internationally that we can apply in the US? What is the state of reproductive healthcare outside the US? Does Dobbs threaten our legitimacy as a world “leader”?

As we approach the upcoming presidential election, how do you anticipate the continued polarization of reproductive healthcare to impact the political parties and the election? 

As a leader of reproductive rights in D.C., how would you describe the state of policy concerning reproductive rights? Which policy proposals seem the most viable?

What are opportunities to remedy deficiencies in abortion access? Will comprehensive sexual education play a role? What steps are required to implement better sex-ed curricula?

Finally, where do we go from here? What are your future projections for progress in the policy landscape?

This program is sponsored by VLS's Office of Diversity, Equity, and Community and the George Barrett Social Justice Program. 

WHEN & WHERE: Friday, January 26, from 12:30-1:30 PM in the Renaissance Room. Lunch will be provided!