Student reactions ranged from shock to support during a graphic anti-abortion demonstration outside the Memorial Union Thursday afternoon.
In front of the MU stage, the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform placed several 10-foot-high graphic photographs depicting aborted fetuses in different stages of development, dividing students on both sides of the abortion debate.
The images at the demonstration included aborted fetuses placed next to coins for scale and a partially developed fetus head — complete with hair — detached from its body.
“We’re out here to raise awareness about the humanity of the unborn and what we consider to be the inhumanity of abortion,” said Jason Walsh, the center’s Southwest regional director.
Walsh said the pictures were intended to encourage dialogue and deeper thought for passing students who stand on both sides of the issue.
“We think that in many cases, people make decisions about abortion without really knowing the true facts about abortion,” Walsh said. “To discuss abortion without using images is really to neglect the fact that this is what abortion does.”
Biology junior Jessica Voss, who identified herself as pro-choice, said she thought the images were done in poor taste outside of a place where students go to relax.
“Seeing something like this kind of thrown in our faces on campus is disturbing,” Voss said.
Communications senior Camila Guerrero, a pro-life supporter, said the images were shocking but necessary.
“It’s an eye opener and it’s a pretty brutal way to display it but it’s important for everyone to see it because it’s real and happens every day,” Guerrero.
Walsh said the center has already traveled to the UA and will travel to NAU next week.
The organization doesn’t expect radical changes or a warm reception at every campus, but said he and the other advocates are just looking to change a few minds.
“We don’t come into a university thinking that we are going to change and make things 180 degrees different, but we’re just after those that may not have formed an opinion yet,” Walsh said.
Accounting sophomore Marcelle Finyom said she accepts abortion in certain cases, but said the images may have changed her mind.
“I was shocked by the pictures,” Finyom said. “A lot of people are just walking by and trying not to see it, but this is reality.”
Contact the reporter at brennan.j.smith@asu.edu
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