ABOUT 350 TURN OUT TO HEAR ROE V. WADE LAWYER WEDDINGTON

Sarah Weddington passed on leadership secrets to a packed house Tuesday at Southeast Missouri State University's Robert A. Dempster Hall.

She is best known for successfully arguing the Roe v. Wade abortion case before the U.S. Supreme Court. She also as been a teacher, Texas state representative and special assistant on Women's and Minority Affairs to President Jimmy Carter.

Approximately 350 people crowded into Glenn Auditorium to hear the prominent feminist. Her appearance was sponsored by Southeast Panhellenic Council during the university's Common Hour.

"The issues are just as fresh today as they were when I started," said Weddington, who was 27 years old when she won Roe v. Wade. "Women were working on issues before me; I just came at a critical time."

Weddington entertained listeners with stories detailing her experiences during the Supreme Court hearing and as a White House staff member. She said she began developing the skills needed for those roles in high school and church leadership positions.

In college she honed those skills on debate teams and other clubs. Moving into her roles as a lawyer and legislator were only small steps because the skills were already there, she said.

"No matter where you are, there is a need for people with leadership skills," she said. "You have to find your own place and expand your horizons."

Weddington said a person needs three skills to be an effective leader: continual practice, using a critical eye and maintaining a degree of discontent. By developing these skills, people can become more effective in defending issues that are important to them or someone they know.

"College is a way of starting an adventure in life and developing those leadership skills you'll need," she said. "You don't have to be perfect to practice leadership, but you do have to take leadership roles, watch others and have divine discontent."

After her presentation Weddington talked with those in attendance during a short question and answer session. She said although access to abortions has become more difficult, she believes the Roe v. Wade decision will remain intact unless the Supreme Court undergoes major opinion changes.

She also said she believes the next step forward for the Supreme Court will be on the issue of whether a person has a right to die. Writing wills and living wills for a number of clients have influenced her decision.

"I believe people should be able to decide when they want to end their own life," Weddington said. "I hope the court will apply privacy to that question, but I'm really unsure what their verdict will be."