Loyola Phoenix: "Choice vs. life debate marks a Loyola first"

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This article details the first debate on abortion that took place at Loyola University Chicago. Sarah Weddington, a pro-choice activist, and Helen Alvare, a spokeswoman for the pro-life movement debated the issue of abortion. The event drew keen interest from the Loyola University Chicago community and members of the public with over 400 attendees. Weddington, who had argued the historic Roe v. Wade decision before the Supreme Court, framed the issue of abortion as one regarding who had decision-making rights over a woman's body. On the other hand, Alvare, who represented the American Catholic Bishops, drew from biological and humanist perspectives to illustrate how abortion went against what human nature embraces. Audience members also expressed their own stances, whether by showing up with their children or by distributing condoms and Planned Parenthood pamphlets. A conflict broke out over condom distribution, which involved campus police intervention.