CV NEWS FEED // Students at the University of Manchester have organized a petition calling for a recently formed pro life organization to be dissolved.
According to a BBC News report, the petition claims that the newly founded pro life society augments an “already prevalent stigma” surrounding abortion on campus.
The University’s student union said it could not dissolve the pro life society on account of its beliefs, stating on its website:
We believe that fostering a culture of proactive involvement enables students to voice their opinions, challenge perspectives, and contribute to a diverse and inclusive campus environment […] As a students’ union, operating as a charity, we must also ensure equitable access to resources, participation in activities, and the formation of groups for all members, irrespective of their lawful views.
As a result, diverse societies and students with conflicting perspectives coexist on campus […] From a legal standpoint, it’s not possible to stop a society from affiliating for their legal views that are contrary to the views of other students.
The petition also accused the pro life society of creating “additional pressure or judgment” on women facing difficult circumstances.
“The student union should be a place that supports all students’ rights and wellbeing rather than endorsing societies that aim to abolish these rights,” said the petition.
The pro life society denied the petition’s claims that its existence would stigmatize women, stating that it is “not an anti-abortion society but a pro life society,” which seeks to “promote the wellbeing, and dignity of every human life, from conception.”
Regardless, the students’ union continued in its statement, “despite concerns over student safety, the students’ union can’t block a society from forming because of their beliefs.”
