Hello from the Heartland. My name is Jenna, and this is Smarter News, news when it matters and why it matters.

Our Smarter series features unique people who help us think and live smarter.

Well, you've probably heard on the news that one of the biggest stories of 2021, and there

are many big stories of 2021, is really about abortion law in America and some challenges

to existing law. But one of the things that I've noticed as a journalist throughout my years

in journalism and as part of smarter news is that what we actually think about abortion law in America

is not always accurate. And let me just add this. There's been plenty of experience that have

had working on in more traditional media where a comment has been made about stories having to do

with abortion. And I'll give you this line. And it's difficult

for me to say out loud. But I think it's important that you know this. And I'll be curious what our

guest thinks about this. I often was told when I wanted to do a story about abortion or what was

going on with legal challenges regarding it, that abortion doesn't rate. Abortion doesn't rate on the

news. And therefore, we weren't going to spend any

time on it. But you see, when that happens, then that means you outsource the definition of

abortion law in America to pop culture and other things. And I think that sort of adds the confusion

about, well, what is current law? What are these legal challenges to current abortion law? What are

the stakes? And that's why I'm so

excited about our guests that we have today. Professor Mary Ziegler is a professor. She's a legal

historian. She's also an author, her latest book, Abortion and the Law in America. A legal

history of Roe v. Wade is a brand new book that's out as well. She's another one coming up. But here's

what you should know about Professor Ziegler. She is the leading voice on abortion law in America.

And I'm really grateful for you to spend a little time with us today, Professor Ziegler. Thank you so

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