(NEW YORK)–Texas Tech University’s cancellation of a planned lecture about third-trimester abortion by Dr. Shelley Sella, a retired OB-GYN from New Mexico, following pressure from on- and off-campus pro-life advocates, raises concerns for the state of public higher education.
“This cancellation is yet another example of the dangerous pattern of censorship spreading across Texas universities,” said Amy Reid, Program Director, Freedom to Learn at PEN America. “Universities, especially major public research institutions, must remain open to diverse and even controversial perspectives if they are to continue to be sites of open inquiry and critical thinking that serve the public good. This is especially crucial when the topic relates to potentially life-saving medical care. Leaning on the excuse of Texas law to restrict the ideas Texas Tech students can access is alarming for the state of free expression and public higher education.”
According to reporting by Texas Scorecard, Dr. Sella was invited to speak at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center on Monday, January 26, 2026, about her work providing third-trimester abortions. Dr. Sella, who retired in 2021, is the author of Beyond Limits: Stories of Third-Trimester Abortion Care, in which she documents a typical week in her clinic. The book was published in 2025 and is long-listed for the 2026 PEN/E.O.Wilson Literary Science Writing Award.
Texas Scorecard reports that Dr. Sella’s lecture was “sponsored by Medical Students for Choice, a national organization with no clear ties to Texas Tech.” Medical Students for Choice lists Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine among the campuses on which they support chapters. Opposition to the event was led by the Texas Tech chapter of Turning Point USA, as well as pro-life activists.
PEN America sees the censoring of information available to students–especially medical students–as part of a dangerous nationwide trend that undermines the traditional excellence of American higher education.
About PEN America
PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. Learn more at pen.org.
Contact: Malka Margolies, [email protected], 718-530-3582