UMD’s Passion for Reproductive Health Care

Since the Supreme Court’s overturn of Roe v. Wade (1973), laws regarding reproductive health are changing to be severely limited or prohibited in twenty-six states and students at UMD are trying to stay informed about their own bodily autonomy in the eyes of the law.

On March 2, four UMD students set up an informative meeting about the national and local laws affecting bodily autonomy.

The club is known as “Advocates for Reproductive Freedom” and meets twice a month to discuss and inform one another about laws regarding abortion and reproductive health.

(From left to right): Amanda Fowler (senior), Brianna Raddhez (junior), Nathalia Grant (senior), and Nicole
Babineau (senior) - picture creds: T. Kaldahl

“Our club's main goal is to spread information and bring awareness to the college experience,” co-president of the club and senior at UMD, Nicole Babineau, said. The club members’ stated goal is to prioritize scientific fact and to relay accurate information about reproductive laws.

“I think that I wanted to be a part of this club because I fully believe that autonomy is a foundation for success for women,” executive board member and current junior, Brianna Raddhez, said.

Roe v. Wade (1973) wasn’t the only case that was overturned recently. Planned Parenthood v. Casey (1992) was also overturned, as well as a case in MN, Doe v. Gomez (1995). These laws all relate to reproductive rights.UMD is not the only college that cares about changing national laws.

Other universities have a club dedicated to women’s health care. The difference is that UMD’s club is established through the nonprofit organization: Pro Choice MN. The club doesn’t receive funds from Pro Choice however, they do have their support and are given tools to help the club.

“I want to help activists for abortion rights. I first got into it from a Netflix show, Sex Education, and I felt like this is something I wanted to fight for and be a part of,” freshman Kadin Graber said. Graber was the only person at the meeting who identified as male. “I definitely think guys should come and support it.”

There are currently nine clinics in Minnesota that help with reproductive rights and provide legal abortions up to 26 weeks gestation. Some people may think these clinics provide this safe health care, however, they are not actually medical centers.

“The most important thing is we want people to know that the “Women's Care Center” is not a medical center,” said Babineau. “These centers do not provide abortion care.”

To join or for more information on “Advocates for Reproductive Freedom,” students can email mychoice@d.umn.edu.