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."
