Shock tactics: students stay home to avoid graphic images

When asked if the graphic images on full display at the University of Lethbridge would draw attention away from the abortion debate, Vice President of the Students for Life group, Rachel Tams, defended the posters.

“I feel like we need both, we need the peaceful discussion but we also need the images. They’re definitely helpful in showing the humanity of the pre-born, but also the inhumanity that is abortion.”

Austen McDougall, a fourth year student, is one of many who disagree with that stance. He was on his way to class when he found himself face to face with the posters.

“I got this overwhelming emotional and physical response to where I actually got sick,” said McDougall.

He, along with a number of other students upset with the demonstration, have participated in a campus walk off.

“I said I wouldn’t be going to the university, and by that I meant I wouldn’t be attending my classes in case of running into protesters or demonstrators. The atrium, I got around it without even knowing it was there. The bus loop, however, was unavoidable.”

At the bus loop, pro-choice students stood on the outskirts of the demonstration, looking to help those who were uncomfortable with what they saw. Megan Bardy was one of the students trying to provide other options.

Like most university students, McDougall is open to debate and discussion, but he says a line must be drawn.

“They can have their beliefs, they can hand out pamphlets, they can walk around and they can hold demonstrations,” said McDougall. “But they can not force every student to be subject to those feelings.”