2003

UCT Students for Life Society was revived in 2003, its first active year since the mid-1990s.  With a committee of 9 students, and a total membership of approximately 100 students, it was a year of much activity, learning and fun.  Some of the events organised were:

 We participated in the 1st February protest outside parliament on the anniversary of the legalisation of abortion.

  • A talk on abortion by Dr. Chris Warton.  At that event, students were able to get a realistic perspective on the issue today, and learn how they could be effective in dealing with the problem.  Andrew Hunter inspired students to fight for the right to life.  Students signed up and were able to decide to serve in the society in various areas, including prayer, research and serving on the committee.
  • A talk at UCT medical school entitled “What will you do when asked to help abort unborn babies?” was presented with Christian Medical Fellowship Philip Rosenthal of the Health Professionals Defence Campaign.
  • Two visits to Parliament, where students met and had lunch with pro-life parliamentarians Graham McIntosh and Louis Green and were shown how they could help lobby against abortion in parliament.
  • Two social events, where members got together to braai, play games, chat and get to know one another.  We also discussed a video on how slavery was abolished.
  • Powerpoint presentations at local student organisations and churches including Student YMCA, His People, NewSong Vineyard.
  • One of our committee members sent a submission to the Department of Health in response to the proposed ‘Choice of Termination of Pregnancy Amendment Bill’, which aimed at killing more babies by making more hospitals and nurses join the killing.
  • A campaign at the Faculty of Law, where pamphlets were handed out to students, and  Cheryllyn Dudley, MP of the ACDP spoke and answered questions on abortion and the law.
  • A campaign at UCT Medical School, where pamphlets were handed out. Some of the reading material included articles such as, “Should medical students learn to kill?” and “Rights for unborn women”.
  • About 13 000 pamphlets were handed out in various campaigns during the year.
  • The Health Professionals Conscientious Objection Register was also circulated in Medical School, and to date over 280 students have already signed it.  This lets medical students make a legally supported statement that they will not assist with abortions.
  • About 15 members of Students for Life participated in the International Life Chain Day placard demonstration on 5th Oct 2003.
  • We also got in touch with pregnancy crisis centres and obtained posters and pamphlets from them, which we gave to Student Health.
  • We hosted American pro-life leader Brad Mattes; published an article in Perspective magazine and Society T-shirts kindly printed by Hooligans clothing.  Posters were placed around campus and a web site created.
  • Public advocacy training sessions on how to impact society were held through the year.