On Nov. 2, Eric Scheidler, the Executive Director of the Pro-Life Action League, spoke to Lewis students. Scheidler was not crazy or hateful like some “pro-lifer” stereotypes are portrayed as. Rather, he was polite and clearly passionate about everything “life” related.
Scheidler was invited to speak by Lewis’ own Students for Life group. This group, which was created in fall 2007 to answer the need on campus for a greater respect for all life, meets weekly to discuss life issues, beyond those of abortion, like many assume.
“The members of Students for Life have all taken different, unique paths to arrive at their pro-life stance on issues such as abortion, embryonic stem cell research and euthanasia,” said Greg Guest, pre-law major and treasurer of the group.
To some, faith does play a role in their position for supporting life. “Our faith leads us to have hope that there will be a day when every person, those born as well as those unborn, will be given the respect that they deserve as human persons with dignity,” Guest stated.
Scheidler, too, looks at his religion for support of his views; however, he states that he was pro-life even when he was an atheist.
“Any person of goodwill utilizing reason can understand the pro-life arguments,” said Kevin Magas, an officer of the group.
Often times, religion and pro-life mix, since the Catholic Church is one of the key warriors against abortion and other life related issues.
Yet, Students for Life is open to all. “In the group, we welcome all to share in this worthy cause, regardless of religious convictions,” Magas, a junior English and theology major, continued.
Why is there a need for such a group? Scheidler stated that in the U.S., one in three women have an abortion. He compared these events to the Holocaust, where another whole class of citizens’ rights were determined by someone else.
Therefore, during Scheidler’s time here, he instructed students how to share the pro-life message with others. He distributed handbooks, he created that act as “cheat sheets” when discussing this issue with others. “It’s very important that you listen when talking about abortion,” Scheidler said. “It’s all about building a relationship.”
Scheidler said this is especially important for the counselors, who talk to pregnant women outside of Planned Parenthood or other abortion agencies. They must be guiding and caring, not judgmental or demanding.
Besides bringing guests such as Scheidler to campus, Students for Life, engages in marches and protests. They also raise money for crisis pregnancy centers, which provide services for women with unexpected pregnancies. The group meets Mondays at 6:00 p.m. in the Student Union. Anyone can join the group’s e-mail list or ask questions about the group by contacting lewisprolife@gmail.com.
At weekly meetings, a current issue is usually discussed that is related to the pro-life movement. Plans are also made to engage the campus about pro-life issues. In January, Students for Life plans to go to Washington D.C. for the annual March for Life.
“I would like my peers to know that Students for Life is not a fanatical group with the intent of persecuting or judging those who face extraordinarily difficult decisions about life issues,” Magas said. “We welcome charitable dialogue and all people of goodwill to come and see the people in the pro-life movement and their extraordinary commitment to humanity.”
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