March 2004

Contents: Student LifeNet attacks NUS; Cambridge students show reality of abortion; former Student LifeNet director wins free speech case; societies news round up; editorial.

Student LifeNet Attacks NUS
Student LifeNet has attacked the National Union of Students' (NUS) recent demonstration outside the US Embassy against the US partial birth abortion ban.

The NUS's Women's Campaign held a candelit picket outside the Embassy in response to President Bush's signing of a Bill to outlaw the procedure last November.

Student LifeNet is 'mystified' as to how this widely-supported piece of American legislation affects U.K. students and has pointed out that the protest represents a startling lack of diplomac that could easily be interpreted as offensive by Americans studying in Britain.

Patrick Leahy, Director of Student LifeNet said: 'We find it humorous that they chose to demonstrate in London against a law passed 3,674 miles away.

'Partial-birth abortion is never even carried out in Britain and it is an issue which does not affect students whom the NUS claim to represent. I can only describe this protest as completely bizarre.

'However, on a more serious note, most students would be outraged that their money is being wasted on supporting such a pointless and extreme sttance.

In a partial birth aboriton, which is carried out in the third trimester of pregnancy, the foetus is partially delivered feet first and an incision is made in the base of the skull with a sharp instrument. A tube is inserted and the brain is removed by suction, which causes the skull to collapse. The now-dead baby is then delivered fully.

Many physicians have dismissed any suggestion that partial birth abortion is ever in the best interests of the mother. In September 1996, former Surgeon General C. Everett Koop, supported by other medical professionals, said: 'Partial-birth abortion is never medically necessary to protect a mother's health or her future fertility. On the contrary, this procedure can pose a significant threat to both'.

Patrick Leahy said that Student LifeNet would not allow the NUS to continue wasting student's money on supporting such a barbaric procedure which is not even an issue in Britain.

'We are currently weighing up our options and will do everything to oppose their extreme pro-abortion position'.

Cambridge Students Show Reality of Abortion
Images of abortion were shown by a group of students led by Patrick Leahy in front of King's College, Cambridge University at the end of October. It was the first time that such a protest had been carried out at a British University.

Patrick, a student at Cambridge and also Director of Student LifeNet commented: 'Despite some initial concerns that the action would provoke a negative reaction, there was a very positive response.

'Over 500 students saw the display and a considerable number spoke to us. From their reaction and remarks it was clear that the images had made a lasting impression. Even the most pro-choice of students who spoke to us admitted that they were now unsure of their stance.

'Of course, some were shocked by the images, but they realised that the brutality depicted was precisely the reason why we oppose abortion.

'Much of our success was a result of careful planning and ensuring we were in regular communication with both the police and the university proctors. As a result they were more than willing to guarantee our right to freedom of speech.'

Former SLN Director Wins Free Speech Case
Fiona Pinto, former Director of Student LifeNet, along with fellow ProLife candidate, Joseph Biddulph, won a court case last year permitting the ProLife Party to use pictures of abortions in its future election campaigns.

The decision comes after Fiona and Joseph were arrested during the Welsh Assembly elections last May for displaying pictures of a 21 week-old aborted baby on the streets of Newport.

The Police deemed the pictures to be 'abusive, theatening or intimidating' and also judged the candidates to be acting 'disorderly'.

The ProLife Party are now taking immediate legal advice on initiating action against the police for illegally arresting Fiona and Joseph and for breaching their human rights.

Current Director of Student LifeNet, Patrick Leahy, said: 'It is, of course, outrageous that our ex-Director and her colleague were treated like criminals for showing the public a legal operation and for having their right to free speech denied.

'The judgment now opens the way for Student LifeNet to show abortion pictures at universities and schools across the country without fear of being arrested.

'We believe firmly in the right to show people the reality of abortion.

'Without the use of images it is impossible to describe the humanity of the child and the destruction involved in the abortion process.'

Societies News Round-Up

OXFORD

Foetal Models Censored at Societies Fair

Oxford Student Union President, Helena Puig Larrauri, ordered the removal of "offensive" medical models showing the development of the unborn child from the Oxford Pro-Life Society's (OUPS) stall at the University's Freshers Fair.

OUPS Secretary, Susannah Rudge, asked for a reason for the decision, but was given no explanation by the Union. Publicity Officer, Francis Murphy, described Larrauri's decision as "shameful" and "a real insult to freshers' intelligence as well as a blow to the principles of freedom of speech and choice which are basic to university life."

OUPS has made an official complaint regarding the decision.

Leaflet Drop Sparks Positive Reaction

Students expressed an interest in becoming involved in the pro-life cause at Oxford University after a massive leaflet drop by OUPS. The pro-life leaflet 'One in three', was delivered to every student at the university by members of the society just before Christmas. Despite a few hitches, including problems with porters at two of the colleges, the 6am start meant that the operation was completed in time for when most students checked their pigeon holes.

According to reports, a 'wave' of reaction followed, much of it from students wanting to get involved in the pro-life movement on campus.

Talks

Jamie Bogle, a medical barrister, and Alison Davies, co-ordinator of No-Less Human, gave a talk to students at Oxford, mainly focusing on the implications of the Draft Mental Incapacity Bill, last year.

Both speakers gave compelling arguments against the government proposals, which include allowing food and fluid to be withdrawn from vulnerable patients.

This and other talks, such as one given by parliamentary researcher, Martin Foley, were said to be well attended.

SHEFFIELD

Talks

The Sheffield University pro-life society held two talks last semester. Eileen Brydon from British Victims of Abortion, gave a talk to around 35 students about the 'hidden cost of abortion'. She focused on the mental, physical, and emotional implications of abortion on women. The event was attended by a group of Medical students as well as members of the Pro-Life Society and other students.

Dr David Paton, an economics lecturer at Nottingham University and a researcher of teenage pregnancy issues, presented some of his findings about the failings of the morning-after-pill to reduce teenage pregnancy.

The Society is currently planning to hold other talks on cloning and euthanasia.

Editorial

I am delighted to be assisting Student LifeNet. I am a first year student studying Journalism at the University of Sheffield and have been involved in the pro-life movement for around two years. I was also recently elected as Secretary of the University of Sheffield Pro-Life Society. I have also had some experience in working for my local newspaper and hope to pursue a career in journalism once I graduate. I look forward to writing and editing items which will hopefully provide a voice for those who do not have one.

We enter into yet another year which will result in the death of another 200,000 unborn children in this country. There is also a danger this year that unless we oppose it as much as we can, the draft Mental Incapacity Bill will progress through parliament and result in legalised euthanasia. It is important that we continue to campaign against abortion and other threats to human life in the way that societies across the country have been doing over the last year. If you do not have a pro-life society at your University and would be interested in joining the campaign to outlaw the greatest injustice of our time, contact Patrick Leahy, the editor of Student LifeNet at director@studentlifenet.co.uk. The need for a pro-life presence at every University is essential to the defence of human life from conception until natural death.

Richard Marsden
Editor, Student LifeNet
editor@studentlifenet.co.uk

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