|Katie Hunter
On the 9th September 2016, a group of St Andrew’s and St Bride’s pupils travelled to a Pro Life Conference in St Brides Parish Hall, Motherwell, hosted by the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children (SPUC).
The society was founded in January 1967 to oppose the abortion bill being debated in Parliament at the time. That bill would go on to become the 1967 Abortion Act. Its objective is to uphold the principle of respect for human life, in particular the life of the unborn child.
In the UK each year about 200,000 abortions are carried out. Women in their teens, 20s, 30s and 40s choose to end unwanted pregnancies which results in the death of an underdeveloped child. Pro-Life organisations argue that this should not be allowed as there are other options which allow the child to grow up safe and happy. Adoption is an example of this. SPUC help mothers and fathers understand the alternatives to abortion.
The Society for the Protection of Unborn Children acknowledge that abortion can be difficult to deal with and also offer advice to those who have been through an abortion which can be an emotional and overwhelming experience.
Those students attending the Pro Life Conference felt they greatly benefited from hearing different opinions regarding abortion and can now bring their increased understanding to their own group debates.
I spoke to 4th Year Pupil, Ritty Tomichen, for her view of the day: “Overall I think the conference was very informative and also inspiring. Through the speakers own experience, I was able to realise that you should not misuse your sexuality and also prompted me to think about helping someone who is having or who has already got an abortion by listening to them, experiencing the pain they are going through and consequently supporting them”
The Pro Life group, run by Religious Education teacher, Mrs Glen, is held every Wednesday lunchtime in C102 and is always open to new members. The group was formed to increase awareness and allow students to express opinions on this controversial subject.
In the words of Pope Francis “Things have a price and can be for sale but people have a dignity that is priceless and worth far more than things”.
