Velvet Case
Religion Editor
The Students for Life organization at MUW is stepping out to support new mothers and educate students about pro-life options.
This new campus organization has teamed up with the local Life Choices Pregnancy Center. Charitable events throughout the year have been planned by Students for Life to show its support for the center.
The group will kick off its first group function in February by holding a Baby Shower for Life Choices. This “shower” will provide the campus with an opportunity to give traditional baby shower items to new mothers and their babies. Students will be able to drop off baby shower gift items at specified collection box stations around campus on Feb. 9-11. Items such as pacifiers, baby socks, baby bottles, diapers, baby clothes and maternity clothes are welcome.
Any student, faculty member or staff member at the W can donate these gift items. Organization members will deliver these items and tour the Life Choices Pregnancy Center.
Joanna Frye officially founded the Students for Life organization in December 2014.
"There was not a pro-life organization on campus," said Joanna Frye, a communication major. "This is an issue for women and men that they may encounter."
Any MUW student or faculty member may join Students for Life. The only qualification is that the student be committed to the same pro-life values to which this organization is committed. Students for Life believes that life begins at conception and there are no excuses for abortion.
"We wanted to give a voice to those who cannot speak and education to those who have (faced) or may face this situation in their lives," shared Frye.
MUW students who become involved in this organization have the opportunity to participate in these events.
In March, Students for Life members plan to draw chalk hearts on the campus grounds. This demonstration is designed to raise awareness of the Students for Life organization through various colors of chalk hearts.
Later in the semester, there will be a display showing when life begins that Students for Life members will help create.
Members can participate by posting flyers around campus that list pregnancy resources.
There also are opportunities for members to volunteer at the Life Choices Pregnancy Center.
Through the outreach on campus and off campus, Students for Life will affect the young people at MUW as well as others in the community.
"I chose to become involved in Students for Life because I believe that every child is a blessing, and he or she deserves the opportunity to live a healthy and loving life," said Vanessa Johnson, General Business major and Students for Life member.
In 2012, it was reported by the American Life League that 3,288 abortions occur every day.
Students for Life hopes to open eyes, change minds and touch hearts. The ultimate goal of Students for Life is to save lives.