We need to allow more dialogue on abortion
This is the opinion of Jack Giitter, SJU first-year.
There are various clubs at the College of St. Benedict and St. John’s University that express a multitude of opinions, beliefs, cultures and activities.
However, the Supreme Court’s landmark decision in “Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization” (2022) to overturn “Roe v. Wade” (1973) necessitates the formation of a pro-choice club. Abortion is a polarizing issue in today’s world, especially at our campus communities due to the two institutions’ devotion to the Catholic faith. However, regardless of the institutions’ religious affiliation, not everyone within our campus communities is a practicing Catholic, and we should respect each individual’s political, religious and personal beliefs. In fact, only 47% of the student body identifies as being Catholic.
Even though CSB+SJU are Catholic, Benedictine institutions, they are liberal arts schools which should promote diversity of opinions and beliefs. Having a pro-life club without a pro-choice club counterpart leaves no room for dialogue on this important issue. Moreover, prohibiting a pro-choice club would be intolerant and disrespectful of the views of a large portion of the CSB+SJU student population who may want to be a part of such a club.
If the requisite number of students agree to form the club and the club’s message does not fall under the definition of hate speech, then the club should have the approval of both schools. Some may qualify abortion as something sinister; however, the goal of the club is not the advocation of abortion, but rather the advocation for the right to choose to have an abortion. We should all have the opportunity to find common ground between advocates of the pro-life and pro-choice movements, with both sides possessing the privilege of having its own club. A pro-choice club does not threaten the existence of a pro-life club and vice versa. If supporters of each movement are allowed to have their own club and agree to engage with its counterpart with civility and respect, then the diversity of opinion at our schools can flourish. On the other hand, if pro-choice advocates are disallowed the opportunity to form a club, then, out of the interest of fairness, the pro-life club should be required to disband.