By Human Rights Graduate Student, Jane Jagas
This week the human rights cohort attended a Faith and Law event featuring a discussion between Professor William Saunders and Professor Helen Alvaré on the implications of the pending Dobbs v. Jackson case.
Professor Alvaré is the Robert A. Levy Endowed Chair in Law and Liberty at the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University, where she teaches Family Law, Law and Religion, and Property Law. She is a member of the Advisory Board of the M.A. Program. Professor Alvare is also a Member of the Holy See’s Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, a board member of Catholic Relief Services, a member of the Executive Committee of the AALS’ Section on Law and Religion, and a cooperator with the Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See to the United Nations as a speaker and a delegate to various UN conferences concerning women and the family.
During the event the two professors examined the validity of abortion as a ‘right’ under the Constitution and under International Law. Through their discussion of law, history, and tradition, the so called ‘right’ to abortion emerged as a misreading of the Constitution and a symptom of wishful thinking in an international context. The question period sparked an interesting discussion about the need for a “change in culture” to create a world where abortion ceases to exist. The students were able to continue this discussion with Professor Alvaré after the event in a private conference room.
Professor Alvaré shared her experiences representing the Holy See at the UN and the many positions she has held throughout the years. She spoke of her career and vocation in the most admirable of ways making mentions of her husband and children and the vital role they play in her life. This more personal meeting with Professor Alvaré showcased her dedication to her family, profession, country, and faith. She remains a plethora of knowledge on women and family issues and true “daughter of the Church.”
