Women's Bar Association of Illinois

1967

A special committee was appointed to study the issue of reproductive rights and a  resolution passed authorizing the WBAI to work toward the repeal of legislation containing sanctions against abortion.

1970

The WBAI supported the amicus brief filed by the Committee on Medical Control of Abortion challenging Illinois abortion law in the case of Doe v. Scott.

1973

The U.S. Supreme Court decides Roe v. Wade.

1974

The WBAI passed a resolution that “supports concepts adopted by the U.S. Supreme Court in Roe v. Wade” and urged opposition to Buckley Amendment to the U.S. Constitution which would prohibit abortion except to save the life of the mother.

1985

The WBAI opposed the Hyde Amendment to the U.S. Constitution aimed at restricting federal funds for abortions.

1986

The WBAI joined in amicus brief in Thornburgh v. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists opposing the Reagan’s adminstration’s efforts to undo Roe v. Wade and prohibit freedom of reproductive choice.

1988

WBAI member, Colleen K. Connell, ACLU Reproductive Rights Project, argued and won Zbaraz v. Hartigan in the U.S. Supreme Court contesting constitutionality of Illinois law requiring parental notification and a 24-hour waiting period for minors seeking an abortion.  The WBAI was also involved in the campaign surrounding the impending U.S. Supreme Court review of the Webster decision on abortion rights.  The Association sent a letter to ABA President Raven, strongly urging the ABA to submit an amicus brief.  Even though the ABA did not, the WBAI itself joined in a brief with several other bar associations.

1989

The WBAI joined in amicus brief in Webster v. Reproductive Health Services supporting the principles of Roe v. Wade.

1990

Ragsdale v. Turnock settled on the eve of the oral arguments in the U.S. Supreme Court.  WBAI member, Colleen K. Connell, represented plaintiffs and the WBAI join in amicus brief.  The settlement allowed certain regulations of so-called abortion clinics.

1991

Carole Siegel, as one of her first acts as President of the WBAI issued a press release announcing the WBAI’s endorsement of the Emergency Campaign to Overturn the Gag Rules upheld in Rust v. Sullivan preventing publicly funded health care clinics from counseling abortions and supported the Title X Pregnancy Counseling Act, in keeping with the WBAI’s 21 year pro-choice position.

1992

The WBAI supported an amicus brief in Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Pennsylvania v. Casey to strike down restrictions.  WBAI member, Colleen K. Connell was present for oral arguments in the U.S. Supreme Court.

2002

Demonstrations continue.