ALICIA YOUNG
Staff Writer
Within five minutes, the population in Elkins Auditorium grew from a few lonely students to more than 300. The reason? Patricia Heaton.
As the honorary chair of Feminists for Life of America, Heaton spent Monday night presenting a bi-partisan discussion on abortion to an audience of Pepperdine students seeking Convo- credit and a chance to hear a celebrity speaker on campus.
But those in attendance received far more than another point toward their Convo grade, for Heaton’s 90-minute talk was designed to “get the conversation on abortion started on college campuses,” she said.
Instead of focusing on whether the principle of abortion is right or wrong, Heaton proposed the idea of finding a common ground and making resources available at colleges for those experiencing an unplanned pregnancy.
She said the reason abortions are rising in number is not because the law allows them, but because circumstances force them, the only option for women who might otherwise choose to keep their child.
Feminists for Life (FFL) is an organization devoted to recognizing the main reasons young women resort to abortions. As a figurehead for the organization, Heaton supports the agenda of increasing resources and support for those going through unplanned pregnancies.
During her time at the podium, Heaton incorporated her experience in the field of comedy by cracking a few jokes, but the mood remained predominantly serious. She included FFL’s historical background, including the contributions to feminism made by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony.
Heaton remained nonpartisan about the topic of abortion.
“It’s a very controversial issue, and her point of view was logical and not offensive to people who are pro-choice,” said Marissa Thomas, a freshman who said she was eager for Convo credit as well as extra-credit for her political science class.
Heaton used feminism’s history as a backdrop for relating her personal, present-day experiences with the audience. As a pro-life supporter, Heaton experiences numerous tensions with her colleagues in Hollywood. Yet the tension hasn’t fazed her yet.
“I enjoy the controversy. I like to stir stuff up,” she said. But she is not a part of FFL simply to be a different voice. Her involvement is based on her deeply rooted religious believes against abortion.
“We need to give women a choice and improve the resources made available to them,” said Brian Ozols, a sophomore in attendance. “More groups on campus working on this issue and more resources are really where we should start.”
This idea of increased resources has already been put into affect at college campuses nationwide. UC Berkeley has installed diaper changing stations in both male and female restrooms on campus. Georgetown has support groups for students who are involved in an unplanned pregnancy. Now Heaton, on behalf of the FFL has brought the topic to Pepperdine University.
There are no diaper changing stations on Pepperdine’s campus or daycare for faculty or students. There is one group committed to assisting those considering adoption in the Malibu area. Service 4 Life is a small organization dedicated to supporting pro-life decisions.
“We volunteer at unplanned pregnancy centers and participate in fundraisers to gather funds,” vice president of the club, junior John Deniston said.
The club’s faculty adviser, Professor Andrew Yuengert said of the club’s participation in the Heaton Convo, “This is a good start to get the dialogue flowing on a campus that was formerly afraid to ask the hard questions.”
But the questions had to wait until after the presentation.
The Convocation began with professor Paul J. Contino and his call to search for a common ground on the abortion issue. As an active member of Our Lady of Malibu, Contino utilized his network of friends within the parish to schedule Heaton’s visit to Pepperdine.
“It’s not about the publicity for her,” said FFL Public Policy Chair Therese Madden. “Heaton’s not a follower, she’s not afraid to be who she is, and for that, she has so much courage.” Madden accompanied by her daughter and her sister, also a member of FFL, joined Heaton at Pepperdine to show their support for her.
After Heaton’s stirring discussion, the floor was opened for student questions directed at both Contino and Heaton.
Heaton closed by referring to a bumper sticker produced by the FFL that reads, “Peace in the Womb.”
“After all,” she said, “that should be the safest place to be.”
03-23-2006