Pro-life students visit Senate
Kevin Grooms
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Last week, Saint Louis University students outnumbered representatives from any other Jesuit institution at the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. The protest, with more than 50,000 participants, is held every year on the anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the U.S. Supreme Court decision that legalized abortion.
After marching Thursday, the delegation organized by SLU's Students for Life met Friday with government representatives on Capitol Hill.
"What you can't understand is the impact (you have) on your elected officials," Brad Thompson, legislative director for Senator Jim Talent (R-Mo.), told students from Truman State University, Rockhurst University and SLU.
Thompson was one of four speakers to address the crowd of pro-life students. Aides working under Senators Richard Durbin (D-Ill.) and Peter Fitzgerald (R-Ill.) addressed the group, and Senator Christopher Bond (R-Mo.) made a quick appearance with a brief speech.
Some students arrived at the meeting in the Russell Senate Office Building prepared to confront their elected officials. They asked questions covering issues of abortion, but also inquired about legislation concerning stem-cell research and cloning. Thompson showed encouragement for the group.
"What's essential is that you continue to weigh in on the issues," he said, later adding, "It's so great to see such a large group."
The assembly of students discussed a variety of perspectives in the large and cool caucus room. An aide from Durbin's office, Brianna Brown, was received a bit differently than her Republican equivalents.
"[Durbin's] pro-choice because he supports Roe v. Wade," said Brown, who explained that as a lawyer, her employer respects the court decision on a Constitutional basis. Still, more outspoken students felt the need to defend their side. On a few occasions, she had to remind her audience that she does not cast the votes; the decision rests with the senator.
Bond, up for re-election this November, was the only elected official to make an appearance. In and out in 10 minutes, he mostly informed the group of Republican pro-life measures in Congress.
New legislation looking to appear on the Senate floor is the Unborn Victims of Violence Act. Pro-life politicians see this as a fundamental stepping stone that will recognize life in the womb.
"It recognizes the fact that when you kill a pregnant woman, you kill two people," Thompson explained.
The meeting soon ended with a simple message to all voters in the room.
"What is essential is that you continue to weigh in (on these issues)," Thompson said.