how Binghamton UNiverstiy Students' mobilized to support reproductive rights

Women’s reproductive rights have taken center stage in American politics once again with rising concerns about the overturning of Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court ruling which protected women’s right to have an abortion. Since the time of Roe v. Wade, women-led activism ignited discourse over reproductive rights, which became a central point within the feminist movement. True back then and true today, Binghamton University (BU) students have always been a voice in the conversation for political and social change.

Binghamton University students have always had an affinity towards activism, especially within the feminist movement. Today, the Women’s Student Union (WSU) is the university organization that advocates for women’s social and political rights, including the right to safe and accessible abortions and birth control. But the WSU is certainly not the first BU organization to push for reproductive rights. In fact, student activism over abortion rights goes back to 1971, two years before abortions became legal nationwide.

In 1970, New York State passed unprecedented legislation which legalized abortions in the state for both residents and non-residents. This law, the most liberal reproductive rights law in the country at the time, was a remarkable win for the feminist movement. Yet, this was not the end for Binghamton University women. Rather, it was this moment that sparked the organization of the Binghamton chapter of the Women’s National Abortion Action Coalition (WONAAC).

In the following months, the formation of the Binghamton Women’s Abortion Coalition (BWAC) inspired local women to join in the movement for liberation, specifically to protect and demand more reproductive rights. The coalition’s campaign launched in 1971 “to demand the repeal of all abortion laws, the repeal of all contraception laws, and an end to forced sterilization,” as reported by campus newspaper Pipe Dream in February 1972. The Binghamton chapter aimed to protect NYS abortion legislation from appeals, as well as to promote reproductive rights throughout the nation.

The BWAC’s activism was intended to not only influence legislation to protect women’s reproductive rights, but also to encourage social change. Specifically, local activist initiatives of the BWAC focused on educating the community on reproductive health, as well as destigmatizing abortion through public discussions and guerilla theater.

Strength in rallying the BU student body was essential to the BWAC’s movement, which is reflected within their political initiatives. The group participated in the WONAAC March on Washington on November 20, 1971, a national protest for reproductive rights. Leading up to the event, postings in the school paper encouraged all students to join in the march, even offering round-trip tickets for $6 in the Nov. 16 issue. The coalition’s political-based advocacy wasn’t just on a national level. In fact, their political influence was felt right here in Downtown at the Roberson Center. Through school publications, the BWAC encouraged students to attend town meetings regarding the possible reversal of NYS abortion legislation from late 1972 into 1973. By spreading awareness about the jeopardization of abortion rights, BWAC encouraged Binghamton students to participate in local government, proving just how important civic engagement is to young people.

The social impact of the BWAC was felt in the community as well. The coalition undertook initiatives aimed at working with local women and young people to educate them on the importance of the women’s reproductive rights movement, and to normalize the experiences of women who had received abortions. They extended conversations about the movement not only to university students, but to local high school students as well. Engaging teenagers in conversations about their reproductive health was a critical achievement of the BWAC, as high schoolers are among the most vulnerable groups when it comes to “restrictive contraception laws.”

Among the many achievements of the BWAC was the Abortion Speak-Out event, held in October of 1972. One hundred and fifty women, including high schoolers, BU students, and local women, participated in the event, which aimed to uplift the voices of those who had undergone abortions by sharing their experiences. Pipe Dream reported on the success of the Speak-Out, illuminating the importance of the community event to promoting “understanding and sharing” within the movement. The BWAC’s work to destigmatize abortions and position women’s experiences at the center of the movement reflects the coalition’s power in unity – which is the keystone of the feminist movement as a whole.

That’s not to say there wasn’t opposition; local anti-abortion groups were also present at the Speak-Out to provide their alternative view on the topic and engage in civil debate. While their viewpoints were in contrast with the event's aim to empower women who have experienced abortions, their participation was meaningful to the BWAC's movement. The productive discourse promoted democratic spirit and conveyed the complexity of the issue, which remains today.

The early 1970s was a pivotal time for women here at BU and in the local Binghamton community, largely thanks to the work of the BWAC. Activism led by women students shaped the way our community regarded women’s rights and fought vigorously for reproductive rights nationwide. Their work stands as a testament to the power of young people and local civic engagement in promoting political and social change. The work of the Binghamton Women’s Abortion Coalition remains in spirit today as once again women’s rights are being threatened. It is in our own history at Binghamton University that we can find the inspiration to continue their fight.