How do SFL groups handle the abortion picture debate?

not work by wiping out existing student groups and leaving campuses with no year round pro-life presence. In this mindset, we offer guidance for groups when dealing with outside organizations coming on campus, whether the groups agree with the strategy or not. The ultimate goal is not to create further division and instead ensure that every group not only survives, but thrives after a display is brought on campus. Below is an excerpt from our First Edition President’s Binder* that was released in January of 2014 that addresses how student groups should handle images of abortion victims coming on your campus: Sometimes, a group with graphic images of abortion will show up at a school with an active pro-life group, unannounced. Now, you have to know two things:

• First, this tends to be the nature of most graphic image groups. Most graphic image groups go where they know there will be tension with their pictures without warning in order to maximize the shock value.

• Second, it’s better to talk and work with them, than to make them mad. The last thing you want is a graphic image group mad at your group or your school.

If a graphic image group shows up at your school unannounced there are a few ways in which your pro-life group can respond: The first thing your group must remember is that you and the graphic image group both have the same goal: to abolish abortion. Be sure to introduce yourself and be friendly. You, as the president, need to let them know your group exists and ask about them about the details regarding the display – who, what, where, when, why, and how. If you are an active pro-life group, you will most likely know where a good majority of your groups stands when it comes to graphic pictures. So let’s break it down into two different scenarios. The Students for Life group is in favor of graphic images (likes them):

• Set up a pro-life table next to the display with information about your group and pregnancy resources.
• Ask if you can help the display
• Pass out pro-life literature from the group or your own group’s information
• Dialogue with students and faculty walking by (request an Apologetics training from your SFLA Regional Coordinator)

The Students for Life group is not in favor of graphic images (doesn’t like them):

• Set up a pro-life table on a different part of campus with a sign saying something like “do the images bother you?” Do not publically criticize the graphic image group or protest their event. Simply dialogue with students about how the display made them feel and use the situation to talk about abortion with students on your campus.
• Send a letter to the school newspaper the next week sharing your views on abortion and positive things your group is doing on your campus
• Hold a display the next week that offers a different side to the issue
• Set up a debate with the people or group that is pro-abortion and give them an opportunity to express their opinions

SFLA has seen many different situations play out at schools. Groups that work with the graphic images reach many people. We challenge you to take advantage of the situation and use it to advance the pro-life message, not expose division even if you disagree with the strategy. Once a graphic display appears at your school, your whole school will be talking about abortion. You MUST use that to your advantage by striking up conversations all around the school and asking people about abortion while it is at the forefront of their minds.]]>