Feminist Speaks on Aborition and Role of Women

Sam O'Mahony, Tower Staff
September 27, 2012
Filed under News

The Catholic University Students for Life hosted the lecture, “The Feminist Case Against Abortion,” given by Serrin M. Foster, president of the organization “the Feminists for Life of America,” on Wednesday, September 19. The lecture was presented to a full house in the Karl F. Herzfeld Auditorium in Hannan Hall.

Feminists for Life, a not-profit organization established in 1972, works to spread its mission of protecting life, protecting women, and abiding by their motto: “Women Deserve Better than Abortion; Refuse to Choose.”

The lecture, which was followed by a question-and-answer-style discussion, began at 7:30 p.m., after drawing protest from a group of students led by Callie Otto, founder of Students for Choice, an unofficial off-campus organization. Otto, who had been outside Hannan with her picket sign, was invited into the lecture by Foster, and received with a warm welcome from the Students for Life group.

“Ask me why I value life,” stated the sign held by Otto, who has been previously kicked off campus for her views and actions relating to her pro-choice group, which is not recognized by Catholic University.

“[I’m] here for dialogue, not for debate,” said Otto, who stayed for the entire lecture.

In the lecture, Foster, who was comedic at times, keeping the crowd lively and focused, went on to discuss the hardships that women must face, including the lack of practical resources, finances, and emotional support. Most of the talk focused on the facts and statistics surrounding the entire abortion process, and particularly the lack of support towards women from society.

“Say no to the status quo,” said Serrin.

This lecture comes in the wake of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) mandate, requiring all organizations, including religious, to require contraceptives and abortifacients to all students and faculty under their insurance policies.

“Abortion is a sign that our society has failed to meet women’s needs. True feminists believe that we need to eradicate the pressures that push women towards abortion,” stated the Feminists Case against Abortion flyer that was posted around campus.

Additionally discussed was the fact that women often feel they must sacrifice their unborn child, in order to have a good future, and how the pressures placed on these women trick them into choosing abortion.

“Pregnancy should never terminate an education,” stated Serrin, who was met with great applause, “and an education should never terminate a pregnancy.”

For more information on this cause, one may visit www.feministsforlife.org.