College Democrats invited AshLeigh Meyer Dunham for a virtual discussion on women's reproductive health in America

College Democrats of Troy University held their first meeting of the semester last Thursday, which covered many topics, including women’s reproductive health, and featured a well-known guest speaker.  

AshLeigh Meyer Dunham, a trial referee in Jefferson County’s Juvenile Court who is running for the Alabama Supreme Court, spoke to the organization. The main topic of discussion was the state of women’s reproductive health in Alabama. 

“I decided I was going to run because of the decision that stopped IVF in the state of Alabama,” Dunham said. “I thought that this is something that I, as a democrat, can run on and win on. 

“Even across partisan lines, IVF is something that mostly everyone can agree on is a good thing.” 

Dani Kimbrough, a freshman criminal justice major from Athens, Alabama, is a member of College Democrats of Troy University. Kimbrough said women’s reproductive rights are a top priority for her. 

“When I found out that Roe v. Wade was overturned, I was shocked,” Kimbrough said. “It was shocking to me because I found out even if the public doesn’t want something, our government will do it. 

“I made a very life-changing decision based on the politics that were happening in this state at the time and got my tubes tied at eighteen years old. To hear AshLeigh Meyer Dunham, someone who wants to be an elected official, acknowledge reproductive rights is very meaningful to me.” 

President of College Democrats of Troy University Markcus Cooper, a junior global business major from Bainbridge, Georgia, said being an advocate of women’s reproductive rights is important, even as male.  

“I think it’s important for us to stay educated on this topic, especially as active members in achieving political indifference,” Cooper said. “Why should we, as males, stand aside and not stand up for what is right?  

“Women’s reproductive health is women’s health; it’s not a spectrum. It’s one of the most important things to women.  

Staying in active conversation while also staying educated on this topic is very important, especially for myself as a male.” 

College Democrats of Troy University will hold their next meeting on October 23^rd at 7:15 p.m. The location is yet to be announced.