Student groups keep abortion debate active
January 23, 2003
The landmark court case of Roe v. Wade that legalized abortion may have turned 30, but ISU student organizations proved Wednesday the fire behind the debate is far from being extinguished.
Ryan Babbitt, president of ISU Students For Life, said the group’s activities were successful in reaching students and getting them to think about enjoying the gift of life.
The organization hung posters on bulletin boards around campus and set up a display case in the Memorial Union. The group also interacted with students by distributing informational cards opposing abortion and Lifesavers candy.
“[When we handed the life cards out], some people said ‘No thanks,’ but others said, ‘Hey, this is a really great cause and to keep it up,’ ” Babbitt said. “All in all, people were quite courteous.”
Babbitt, junior in computer science, said he was pleased overall with the day’s activities and took the time to personally reflect on the controversial issue.
“It seems kind of sad to me that women feel the need to exercise their liberty and their choice in a way that essentially removes others of their liberty and choice,” he said.
Cicely Schramm, president of the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance (FMLA), said people were receptive of their group’s activities.
“We had a table in the Union, and we had free cake to celebrate the anniversary,” said Schramm, senior in genetics. “We also had a lot of information for people to take about the issue.”
Ellen Daly, FMLA member, worked at the group’s table near the west staircase in the Memorial Union. She said students were supportive and interested in reading the materials the group had to offer.
“Abortion is a very sensitive topic,” Daly said. “I think the important thing to remember is being pro-choice doesn’t necessarily mean you’re pro-abortion. You’re just [supporting] giving women that choice.”
Many opponents and proponents of the 1973 decision think changes in the high court, likely to come in a few years, could mean a reversal of the decision.
“I think there is quite a bit more publicity just because it is the 30th anniversary,” said Daly, sophomore in women’s studies. “And with the chance a new Supreme Court justice could be nominated in the next few years there’s more political commentary going on.”
Schramm said the 30th anniversary of Roe v. Wade was quite different from the case’s past anniversaries.
“Overall, there just seemed to be more coverage of the issue and more awareness, which is definitely a good thing,” she said.