Conference In Memory of Barnett Slepian to Discuss Legal Perspectives On Anti-Choice Violence

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- The UB Law Advocates for Choice will present a conference, "Legal Perspectives on Anti-Choice Violence: A Conference Dedicated to the Memory of Dr. Barnett Slepian," on March 27 in the Center for Tomorrow on UB's North Campus.

It will be free and open to the public. Registration will begin at 10 a.m.

The conference will feature a number of speakers who have dealt directly with anti-choice protesters on the front lines and in the courts. They will discuss the legal means that have been used to discourage and prosecute anti-choice violence and intimidation, as well as legal strategies for the future.

"The recent murder of Dr. Barnett Slepian has focused our attention once again on how anti-choice extremists are increasingly turning to harassment, threats and violence to accomplish their goals," said Lucinda Finley, UB professor of law, who will serve as moderator.

"A woman's right to privacy in her reproductive choices is upheld by the Constitution, yet the threats and intimidation used by anti-choice protesters necessitate stronger laws -- such as the Reproductive Health Care Services Access and Anti-Violence Act now pending in the New York State Legislature -- to protect patients and health-care workers and ensure safe access to reproductive health clinics."

• Sara Love of The Feminist Majority Fund, who represented the National Organization for Women in "NOW v. Scheidler," a case that successfully used the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Law (RICO) to convict a group accused of attempting to shut down two clinics through threats and physical violence.

Tentatively scheduled to speak is Maria Vullo, counsel to Planned Parenthood in the recent Portland, Ore. case, "Planned Parenthood of Columbia-Willamette v. American Coalition of Life Activists."

For more information, email UB Law Advocates for Choice at UBProChoice@yahoo.com