Successful Roe v. Wade attorney speaks at UNCW

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — It was a case that made history in our nation, Roe v. Wade. The Supreme Court’s decision legalized abortion 40 years ago and remains the law of the land. The powerhouse attorney who won that case spoke at UNCW Tuesday.

Sarah Weddington was only 26 when she won one of the biggest cases in U.S. history. Tuesday night Weddington spoke at UNCW. Weddington is still the youngest woman to successfully argue in front of the Supreme Court.

Students, professors, and people in the community gathered to watch her speak. One student said it is important for people to see Weddington speak to make changes in society. “Right now there’s so many things going on and so many changes that need to happen. Sarah Weddington is such an insperation because she made all those changes 40 years ago. Things that we’re still discussing today,” UNCW president of the prelaw society, Brooklyn Hilderbrandt said.

The event attracted both men and women. “Obviously the landmark Supreme Court case is what she’s known for but she’s done a lot of great things in her life besides just the one court case, so it was really great to come out and listen to her talk about leadership especially in roles where gender has been a problem for women and working towards gender equality in the workplace,” student, Dakota Cary said.

Weddington said some women are born leaders. She said she was always asking why things were the way they were and she encourages people to continue to ask the same question. Weddington said two of her college professors were the most influential women in her life. After winning Roe v. Wade one of them even gave their personal congratulations.