October 15 & 16, 2010, Princeton University - Open Hearts, Open Minds & Fair Minded Words - A Conference on Life & Choice in the Abortion Debate 

The conference is inspired by President Obama’s call for those on different sides of the abortion issue  to work together where we agree and engage in “vigorous debate” with “open hearts, open minds, and fair minded words”

Cosponsors:  University Center for Human Values & James Madison Program, Princeton University; Department of Theology, Fordham University; Center for Bioethics, University of Pennsylvania; Bioethics International

Cochairs:  Charles Camosy, Fordham University; Frances Kissling, University of Pennsylvania; Jennifer Miller, Bioethics International; Peter Singer, Princeton University

For more information and to register visit:  http://uchv.princeton.edu/Life_Choice/

Goals and Values of the Conference

1. Explore new ways to think and speak about abortion. Recognizing the divisive nature of the debate, and its larger effect on public discourse, we wish to explore new words, ideas, categories, arguments and approaches for engaging with each other
2. Approach issues related to abortion with open hearts and open minds. We wish to make a concerted effort to engage with each other with the kind of humility and quiet necessary to really listen and absorb the ideas of someone who thinks differently.
3. Define more precisely areas of disagreement and work together on areas of common ground. Some sessions are intended to cut through the confusion and fog of the public abortion debate, by clarifying more precisely areas of disagreement, potentially highlighting areas where we can move forward.
4. Get to know those on multiple sides of the issues more personally. In part because it is often easier to take seriously and listen to those one knows personally, we will self-consciously promote social interaction at this conference through lunches, cocktail hours and breaks.