Abortion debate was thorough and successful

TO THE EDITOR:

In her letter to the editor yesterday (“Abortion debate did not address root of problem,” Oct. 15), Kalli Smith claimed that the abortion debate hosted by Carolina Students for Life on Tuesday was an inappropriate use of student funds because the framework of the debate did not come from a social justice perspective but rather focused too much on fetus viability.

The debate was successful in its goal to promote a peaceful and respectful atmosphere in which a very contentious issue could be discussed. Simply because the debate did not approach the issue from every possible angle does not mean that the debate was unsuccessful.

If Smith wanted to hear more about the issue of abortion from a social justice perspective, she had the opportunity to ask the speakers questions during the Q&A session. Also, both speakers were available after the debate to talk personally with anyone who had additional comments or questions.

Finally, we in Carolina Students for Life are confident that this debate will continue to impact the UNC community in a positive way by promoting more discussion of the abortion issue.

Smith’s own admission of a “productive abortion discussion” she had with her minister after the debate is evidence of this continued impact.



Byron Dawson
Public relations chairman,
Carolina Students for Life