2008 Woodie Awards
Katie Springer Forum discusses abortion
Professors debate moral, scientific aspects of abortion
Emily Esguerra
Issue date: 3/13/07 Section: News
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Known as a young woman who had a deep faith in God, Springer aimed to create an atmosphere where students, faculty, and all members of the Saint Mary's community could speak candidly about God, science, and their seemingly paradoxical relationship. The small idea soon blossomed into an actual dialectic event, however, her time passed before she herself could see the birth and growth of her moving creation.
Though some today still possess the notion that God and science are contradicting powers, Springer believed that God and science were not mutually exclusive, but were instead two marvels that could work and evolve together constructively.
This year's topic of discussion was abortion and the obvious controversial sides related to the issue. The members of the panel, Dr. Christina Scott, Dr. Patrick Downey, Dr. Allan Hansell, Dr. Thomas Poundstone, and Brother Donald Mansir, each offered their own opinion regarding abortion, however, not all panelists saw eye to eye on the matter.
Though each member became a little heated when discussing certain sensitive areas, most of the speakers' observations and view points were calm and rooted in their professional field of expertise. When asked what religious, ethical, medical, psychological, and biological perspectives a woman in her eighth week of pregnancy should consider before an abortion, Brother Donald Mansir presented his opinion from the Catholic Church's point of view. "To destroy the life of a child," he said, "is antithetical to the concept of love."
Mansir continued his explanation by quoting scriptures that emphasized that we, as humans, are all persons of a community and that our union with God really translates into union with everyone. After many references to the Bible and other Catholic affiliates, Munsir said, "Direct abortion always constitutes a grave moral disorder."
Following Munsir was Dr. Patrick Downey, who proved not only passionate about the debate, but also slightly sardonic in his approach toward the other panelists. Downey, however, did enlighten the audience with a different perspective than Munsir's and focused primarily on the intention of the mother in terms of abortion.