Pro-lifers hold campus vigil

Dispelling views that the pro-life movement urges its supporters to invade abortion clinics, College senior Bill Cook argued last night that being pro-life is not about "turning people off." Cook, a member of Penn Pro-Life, addressed students last night at a vigil held on College Green to raise awareness of the pro-life movement on Penn's campus. Penn Pro-Life sponsored the event along with several other neighboring collegiate pro-life organizations. The vigil included speeches from two influential pro-life leaders who advocated their positions on abortion and capital punishment. Mary Kate Kelly, a member of the Pro-Life Union of Southeastern Pennsylvania, and Jeffrey Garis, executive director of the Pennsylvania Abolitionists United Against the Death Penalty, both spoke at the gathering. In her remarks, Kelly proposed an unorthodox perspective on anti-abortion -- that its philosophy is deeply rooted in the history of feminism. Citing examples of famous feminist figures like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Blackwell, Kelly claimed that "feminists have always been pro-life." Garis, a Philadelphia native, then spoke passionately against the death penalty in America. Both Kelly and Garis encouraged students to speak out against unjust government laws. "We need to actively resist against a system of death [and] show that we respect the lives of people," Garis said. Reflecting upon the relationship between abortion and capital punishment, Garis noted the need to be consistent and oppose both acts. "The sanctity of life must be respected at the beginning of life and at the end," Cook pointed out. About 40 students from the University and nearby schools, including Drexel and Villanova, were present. Penn Pro-Life member and College freshman Paul Vaca attributed the small size of the crowd to poor weather conditions. Preceding the gathering on College Green, roughly 20 students walked down Locust Walk in a silent procession, carrying a banner with "Collegiate Vigil" written in bold letters. Windy conditions prevented the students from holding candles. College senior Jennie Huang, a self-proclaimed feminist, thought that Kelly's original spin on abortion was particularly interesting and that the vigil was a beneficial way in which to talk about important issues. Last night's vigil marked the first of its kind that Penn Pro-Life has organized in several years. "Penn Pro-Life has been kind of dormant here at Penn since I have been here," Cook said. The campus group was revived this year with the help of College sophomore Gil Stockson and Engineering sophomore Dave Heitzman. About 30 students now belong to the organization. Penn Pro-Life member and College sophomore Mike Lorelli considered the vigil a taste of more exciting things to come in the upcoming 2000-2001 academic year. The growing organization is optimistic, and Penn Pro-Life plans to participate in more educational debates and pro-life intercollegiate conferences, Lorelli said.