Students travel to D.C. for annual March for Life
Kirsten Adams
Issue date: 1/22/09 Section: News
On Wednesday, a record 53 members of the Hillsdale College Students for Life made the trek to Washington, D.C., to participate in the 35th annual March for Life.
The march commemorates the historic Roe v. Wade abortion decision, and takes place today.
Senior Karen Williams, Students for Life treasurer, said she believes the fact that the March for Life falls two days after President Barack Obama's inauguration has spurned Hillsdale students to new levels of involvement.
"He could change so many abortion laws that a lot of people who are pro-life are realizing that it's do or die," Williams said. "He could make radical changes."
Senior Marissa Farrell, Students for Life president, said she agrees with Williams' assessment that Obama's inauguration fueled student interest. Farrell said the Freedom of Choice Act also helped draw more attention to the pro-life movement than ever before.
The proposed bill would require all medical facilities to provide abortion information, facilities and services regardless of circumstance.
"It's pretty much put a fire under the pro-life movement," Farrell said.
Williams said that the march drew more than twice as many Hillsdale students as in previous years. She said she has seen the group grow from nine students in 2006 to 53 students today.
Packed Capitol-area hotels, overflowing with inauguration spectators, have forced the students to find alternative housing at the St. Lawrence School of Alexandria. Because of solicited donations from the Men's Group of St. Anthony's Church and the Hillsdale County Right to Life, Williams said, the total cost for the trip came to $70 per student.
English Department Chairman Michael Jordan, faculty adviser for Students for Life, has also noticed the growing interest in the pro-life movement and increased membership in Students for Life.
"The direction of public policy is against the sanctity of human life," Jordan said. "The students are reacting to that."
For Farrell and Williams, this wellspring of student interest is both sour and sweet. The March for Life is currently the longest running protest at the U.S Capitol that has not triggered any major legislative changes, Farrell said, and she wishes Congress would show as much interest in reversing this trend as Students for Life does. On the other hand, Farrell said she is thankful for the support shown by members of Students for Life and other students, especially freshmen.
"It's a statement to the general culture on campus," Farrell said. "Students are willing to change this culture of death."
The march commemorates the historic Roe v. Wade abortion decision, and takes place today.
Senior Karen Williams, Students for Life treasurer, said she believes the fact that the March for Life falls two days after President Barack Obama's inauguration has spurned Hillsdale students to new levels of involvement.
"He could change so many abortion laws that a lot of people who are pro-life are realizing that it's do or die," Williams said. "He could make radical changes."
Senior Marissa Farrell, Students for Life president, said she agrees with Williams' assessment that Obama's inauguration fueled student interest. Farrell said the Freedom of Choice Act also helped draw more attention to the pro-life movement than ever before.
The proposed bill would require all medical facilities to provide abortion information, facilities and services regardless of circumstance.
"It's pretty much put a fire under the pro-life movement," Farrell said.
Williams said that the march drew more than twice as many Hillsdale students as in previous years. She said she has seen the group grow from nine students in 2006 to 53 students today.
Packed Capitol-area hotels, overflowing with inauguration spectators, have forced the students to find alternative housing at the St. Lawrence School of Alexandria. Because of solicited donations from the Men's Group of St. Anthony's Church and the Hillsdale County Right to Life, Williams said, the total cost for the trip came to $70 per student.
English Department Chairman Michael Jordan, faculty adviser for Students for Life, has also noticed the growing interest in the pro-life movement and increased membership in Students for Life.
"The direction of public policy is against the sanctity of human life," Jordan said. "The students are reacting to that."
For Farrell and Williams, this wellspring of student interest is both sour and sweet. The March for Life is currently the longest running protest at the U.S Capitol that has not triggered any major legislative changes, Farrell said, and she wishes Congress would show as much interest in reversing this trend as Students for Life does. On the other hand, Farrell said she is thankful for the support shown by members of Students for Life and other students, especially freshmen.
"It's a statement to the general culture on campus," Farrell said. "Students are willing to change this culture of death."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Julie Showalter
posted 1/22/09 @ 6:47 PM EST
My daughter is one of the participants this year from Hillsdale College. I am proud to send my daughter to a school that supports such activities.
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