Artwork by
Dennis Murphy

For the students, by the students

Abortion Issue on Campus
Christian Prosser, Corner Post Staff

October 27 2003-In the past few months, preparations have been made and $12,000 was raised by Justice for All to host a massive exhibit, which has been displayed on Kuhlman Court.

In the days before the exhibit was set up, opposition was also mounting, including. Spiritual Youth for Reproductive Freedom (SYRF), Students for Progressive Action and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). In the resulting environment of mixed feelings and slight tension, literature has been handed out, police have been called, arguments fought, and in the meantime, students have been trying to get to class.

"We just want to get the truth about abortion out on campus," said Emilie Duncan of the Students for Bioethical Equality, one of the groups manning the exhibit. Despite rumblings about hesitance on the part of MU to permit the exhibit, "We have developed a cordial working relationship with the university," said Duncan.

Roughly, 50 percent of the $12,000 was brought in from community donations. The other 50 percent was brought in on the grassroots level, by students who range from the Baptist Student Union, Campus Crusade for Christ, the Newman Center, and various other sects of campus. With this list of religious groups in tow, one might think to see something about God on the twenty-foot tall structure, however, there is none. Quotes on the exhibit are attributed to doctors, professors, and others. No hint of religion can be detected.

Also on the grassroots level are the other demonstrators at Speaker's Circle. They range from the previously mentioned ACLU to the Feminist Student Union. Their literature, primarily from the Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice, contains references to "public opinion," polls that have no citations, but do have some cited references to the United Church of Christ, and the Unitarian Universalist Association.

The main difference between them and their pro-life counterparts is that they are a little more hesitant to approach people with their literature and stickers. The speaker's circle group seemed to be trying to project their 'silent presence'.

"We're not here to disagree with them, we're here to support those who disagree with them," said Jackie Cook-Eberly, the vice-president of SYRF. And although they still get some to stop, it's not quite the draw that the exhibit on Kuhlman Court attracts between classes.

Also on hand at both sites were representatives of the MU Counseling Center to deal with the strong emotions this issue raised. At the JFA site, the Open Arms Crisis Center also had a table with representatives willing to discuss the possibility of adoption.

"They're hurting (the) campus, bringing in a national organization to spread misinformation," said Cook-Eberly.

Although the National Justice for All Non-Profit Organization brought the exhibit to MU, they aren't directly affiliated with the student JFA Club. This has been disputed as accusations have been made that the exhibit was partially funded by the national organization; JFA has maintained that those accusations are false.

Effects of the two main groups have ranged from constructive dialogue to complete apathy. "It's been a very effective day. We've been effective in creating a dialogue between students, (and) in creating an environment which presents the facts and letting them choose," said Duncan.

"For me it didn't evoke an emotional reaction because to me it was more of an underhanded argument for shock value," said John Pimmel, an MU sophomore. In response to this charge Duncan said, "Sometimes the truth is shocking."

"I heard about it in French class, looked out the window, and decided to take another route," said Justin Kern, also an MU sophomore. "You're not going to change anyone's opinion by showing them those pictures," he added.

"The two groups that are demonstrating are the extremes from either side of the issue (and) all they're doing is pissing each other off, " said Chip Deubner, an MU sophomore.

"Yes, they're exposing what they believe has been hidden away with what goes on in these procedures. So they're trying to graphically make the point that conceived and unborn children are human and deserve respect and protection," said Father Mark of the Newman Center. "I support efforts to reduce it's availability, and I support efforts in changing people's minds… I support the Vitae Society… it instead tries to have TV and radio ads that get women to think that this [abortion] is not the appropriate option."

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