FREDERICKSBURG, Va.— The Center for Biological Diversity and University of Mary Washington will host a free screening of My So-Called Selfish Life, directed by Therese Shechter, a documentary that examines the choice to be childfree and the importance of reproductive rights and justice. The screening will be held at University of Mary Washington and followed by a Q&A and panel discussion about the relationship between reproductive freedom and the environment.

“We need to talk about family planning and choosing to be childfree if we’re going to reduce the pressure our growing population puts on the planet,” said Kelley Dennings, population and sustainability campaigner at the Center. “Here in the United States, each person has an outsized environmental impact. Advancing reproductive rights, gender equity, and education is important for people and helps the planet, too.”

What: Screening of My So-Called Selfish Life

When: March 22, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Where: University of Mary Washington, 1301 College Ave., Fredericksburg, VA, 22401, HCC 136, The Digital Auditorium

Who: In addition to the film screening, there will be a panel discussion with Kelley Dennings, population and sustainability campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity, and faculty from the University of Mary Washington.

Panelists include:

• Eric Bonds, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Sociology
• Kirstin Marsh, Ph.D., Professor of Sociology and Chair, Sociology & Anthropology
• Melanie Szulczewski, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences
• Dr. Nancy Wang, University Physician/Student Health Center Director

Register to attend the free event here: https://MSCSLatUMW.eventbrite.com.

Background

The Center for Biological Diversity’s Population and Sustainability program addresses the impacts of human population pressure and destructive consumption and production on wildlife and the environment. We fight for solutions that advance justice, equity, health, and a compassionate world where both people and wildlife can thrive.

For more information or to watch the film trailer, visit https://bit.ly/CBDcampusfilmtour.