Dr. Rebekah Gee, Chancellor Gordon Gee’s daughter, will visit campus Monday for her lunch lecture, “Taking on Wal-Mart: A Physician’s Story of Activism Reproductive Rights in Historical Context.”

The lecture will be held in 208 Light Hall from 12-1 p.m.

“This is a great opportunity for students to learn about the changing health legislation and these important contraceptive drugs,” said sophomore Ann Cowgill.

Gee, currently a Robert Wood Johnson clinical fellow at the University of Pennsylvania, combines activism with her career as an obstetrician/gynecologist. Her efforts to protect the right to contraceptives have led her to co-author Massachusetts legislation to increase access to emergency contraceptives.

“I think it’s important that Vanderbilt impart this knowledge to their students, particularly the female students,” said sophomore Jason Zarrow. “It is Vanderbilt’s responsibility as their means for acquiring education to teach them about their health options, because ultimately many students will face tough decisions such as this.”

Gee will speak about her role in the lawsuit filed against Wal-Mart pharmacists who would not provide and stock emergency contraceptives. The case was successful and led to a national Wal-Mart policy change to carry and supply the pills.

“The fact is that there’s a lot of controversy surrounding contraceptives. Students should be informed about these issues so that they too can help change the laws, which will ultimately lead to lowering the abortion rate in this country,” said Andrea Li, one of the Medical Students for Choice who has been working to bring Gee to Vanderbilt. “We want to make it easier for people to have more control over their health and their futures. That’s why it is important for them to have access to the contraceptives.”

The lecture is free and open to the public, with a lunch to follow. Reservations to attend the lunch are necessary and can be made by contacting Sara Risner-Adler at sara.j.risner-adler@vanderbilt.edu.