Issue date: 10/5/07

Right to Life Displays Memorial

By Joe McMahon

Student reaction was mixed. Some interviewed thought the display raised awareness and was tasteful.

"I really like the fact that it is a memorial, not a protest," said freshman Sandra Nazareth. "It speaks for itself and really grabs your attention as you walk past."

Others thought changes could be made to the memorial.

"I think it's a good show, but you need to display more information," said senior Brian Bak. "They had some signs up, but they needed more in order to really inform people about the issue."

Other students simply disagreed with the premise of the memorial.

"I think the pro-life supporters have a right to express their views with the crosses and flags, but I have a problem with the language on some of the posters," said freshman Lauren Weber. "They say X amount of women 'tragically' get abortions every year and portray women who have abortions in a negative light. It's a tough choice that some

women make, and they shouldn't be villainized for making the decision that's best for them.

"This year, the Right to Life club received help from the University to plan its observance week.

"In the past the University was not very proactive," Walter said. "Now, Campus Ministry is co-sponsoring Right to Life week with us. In addition to giving us their full support, they will be distributing prayer cards and encouraging priests to say pro-life homilies on Sunday."

The Right to Life club will continue its efforts to encourage discussion on all anti-abortion issues. Right to Life Week's keynote speaker is Dawn Parkot, a double Domer with multiple disabilities.

"We are trying to examine all different types of pro-life issues, and although abortion is the one we focus most on, we do branch out," Walter said. "But all we are trying to accomplish right now in the short term is reaching out within the Notre Dame community and helping people learn about this important issue.

"Notre Dame students are proven leaders, and we know if we can raise their awareness now then, in the long term, they can help us expand our work far beyond our community," she said.