Not Your Average Pro-Life Forum

By Connect Mason Reporter Rebecca Sizemore

Pro-life advocates related experiences and gave testimony about the effects of abortion in society on March 3 in the JC Cinema. “Not Your Average Pro-Life Forum” was sponsored by Students for Life, College Republicans, Catholic Campus Ministries, Israel on Campus, and Iota Phi Beta.

A panel of six speakers comprised the evening’s program. Each speaker related his or her personal position on the issue of abortion before participating in a Q & A forum with the audience.

Shayna Baker of Life Choices opened the program, telling of her near abortion and the change of heart which resulted in her becoming a mother.

Kelly Galloway had a similar experience. After being date-raped in Guatemala, a worker at an abortion clinic told Galloway that if she did not have an abortion, her life would be ruined. Galloway’s son is now one year old, and she works with Birthmother Ministries, where each patient is matched with a mentor to provide emotional support and assist in the choosing of her medical care.

Olivia Gans also became pregnant unexpectedly, but had an abortion in 1981. However, she now participates in the National Right to Life Committee, American Victims of Abortion and the Virginia Society for Human Life.

Dr. John Bruchalski, founder of the non-profit Tepeyac Family Center, spoke of his experiences as a gynecologist performing abortions.

Robert Marshall, a Virginia State Delegate, is also the author of several controversial conservative bills including the Virginia Marriage Amendment, which discusses differences seen in health, poverty and family stability since abortion became legal.

Finally, Kristen Day discussed the rise of pro-life Democrats and their struggle to gain recognition.

Speakers answered questions that addressed a range of topics, such as different political stances and how they correspond with advocating pro-life beliefs. Also discussed were concerns about whether or not a mother is put in danger as a result of abortion. Del. Marshall and Gans took time to discuss issues pertaining to stem cell research.

Speakers unanimously expressed the belief that America had the potential to come to a point where having to choose between the preservation of the life of either the mother or child would be solved by doctors who would find ways to sustain both lives.