Over the last couple of weeks, most students at the University have probably noticed an ongoing debate taking place within our community about a divisive and critical subject. And no, we are not talking about the current war in Iraq. We are talking about abortion. Abortion is an issue that has divided this country for decades and, unfortunately, will probably continue to divide it for decades to come, even after the second Gulf war has become a subject for the history books. Everyone knows the traditional stances of both sides of the debate. They have not really changed with time. The "pro-life" movement has insisted that every abortion ends in the death of a child, while the "pro-choice" movement has insisted that every woman has the fundamental right to determine the fate of her own body.
As "pro-lifers" ourselves, we cannot claim to be impartial observers of this debate. We are "pro-life" and have actively participated in bringing the debate to the University. However, despite our lack of impartiality, we are not writing this in order to attempt to "convert" people to the pro-life cause. We hope to create an atmosphere on Grounds in which "pro-life" and "pro-choice" groups can come together to cooperate in order to bring practical and positive changes to the University community.
"Pro-lifers" and "pro-choicers" will never agree on whether or not women should be allowed to get an abortion, but that does not have to be the issue right now. Both groups do agree that no woman should be forced, whether it is by an abusive boyfriend, an intolerant community or a lack of emotional and financial support, to terminate her pregnancy. Both groups do agree that a woman should be allowed the option of keeping her baby without sacrificing her life to the altar of our convenience.
Two weeks ago, the president of Feminists for Life, Serrin Foster, spoke to about 100 students and members of the community from both sides of the debate about the culture that does not allow women all of the options necessary to keep their children. It is not a culture of life or a culture of choice. It is a culture of abortion, and we live in the midst of it. Students at the University need to dedicate their energies and resources towards combating this culture and replacing it with one that does not encourage women to sacrifice their babies to preserve their own futures.
This is our chance, for both the "pro-lifers" and "pro-choicers" to work together. Initially, one may scoff at this idea. We admit this plan of action seems like a stretch. But, in reality, it is the most natural course of action for us to take. Unfortunately, both sides of the argument are blinded by distrust and are incapable of seeing past the differences that separate them. However, this does not mean that we are incapable of working together. We are united by a desire to help the women of our community with the compassion and dedication necessary to positively support them in their trials.
When is the last time you saw a pregnant student on Grounds? It seems that undergraduate women may not feel they have the adequate support system necessary to both carry their children to term and to continue their university education. University students should come together to hold a symposium in order to create a network that will help female students in their time of need. One idea would be to bring together a panel of university officials and concerned student groups to discuss ways to free women from the culture of abortion. This could be an attempt to combat the difficulties faced by pregnant women at the University.
Currently there are some resources available for pregnant women and young mothers. All students should be informed of these resources and explore other ways in which we can help to support students with children.Through a symposium, the University could see the start of programs that offer babysitting, evening classes, financial assistance, prenatal care, easy access to academic facilities or free baby items. Collectively, the University community can work towards providing every woman with the choice to keep her child. Hopefully all of the women's organizations on Grounds will help to create an environment of love and support here at the University.
(Gloria Dolenc is a second-year College student. Philip Turner is a third-year College student.)
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