Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2026
First Page
225
Journal Title Abbreviation
U. Balt. L. Rev.
Abstract
In tandem with one of the most restrictive abortion bans in the United States, Oklahoma continues to expand the concept of fetal personhood in its laws. This expansion, in turn, translates to yet another means to expand Oklahoma’s criminalization of pregnancy, and to further strengthen its stranglehold on women’s bodily autonomy.
In the fight for reproductive justice in such environments, is there a role for law schools and law students to play? Practicums and clinics in law schools are untapped resources in ruby-red, restrictive states like Oklahoma. They can support nonprofits within the local reproductive justice ecosystem, shed light on the impact of abortion bans, amplify research capacity for national groups who do not have boots on the ground, lay groundwork for policy change, and offer nonprofits and think tanks access to what is happening on the ground in ban states in real time.
From a pedagogical perspective, the Practicum gave us several opportunities beyond what we would normally have in either a doctrinal or a clinical course. First, it allowed us to have students conduct meaningful research that can be used by actual clients doing frontline advocacy in the arena of reproductive justice. Second, it allowed us to teach students the art of advocating in an issue that hits close to home and, at a minimum, understand the need for self-care even if they were beginners at designing self-care regiments for themselves. Third, it gave students an opportunity to experience representing organizations, an opportunity students do not always have in law school. Finally, it gave us the opportunity to pilot a hybrid doctrinal/clinical course for the first time in the 100-year history of the University of Tulsa College of Law.
At the University of Tulsa College of Law, immediately after the fall of Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113 (1973), Professor Janet Levit offered a seminar entitled Reproductive Rights in a Post-Roe World, but quickly realized our students wanted to join the fight to protect the right to reproductive healthcare. Professor Levit and Professor Marton, joined by Professor Rebecca Reingold, launched the Reproductive Justice Practicum in the spring of 2024. The practicum is now set to begin its fourth consecutive semester in the fall of 2025. This paper will explore how the practicum at the University of Tulsa continues to play a crucial role in the fight for reproductive justice in Oklahoma.
Recommended Citation
Miriam H. Marton, Combating Reproductive Injustice in a Rubyred, Restrictive State: The University of Tulsa College of Law Reproductive Justice Practicum, 55 U. Balt. L. Rev. 225 (2026).