FEMINISTS FOR LIFE OF AMERICA

What Does She Face On Campus?

Chaunie’s Journey • FFLU: Our Dream Campus • FFL unveils seven new speaker videos on YouTube When a man steals to satisfy hunger, we may safely conclude that there is something wrong in society—so when a woman destroys the FEMINISTS FOR LIFE OF AMERICA® life of her unborn child, it is an evidence that either by education or circumstances she has been greatly wronged.” Fall/Winter 2008

—Mattie Brinkerhoff, The Revolution, September 2, 1869 A publication of Feminists for Life of America

Editor-In-Chief/President Serrin M. Foster 4 9 10 Editor Cat Clark Editorial Board Maureen O’Connor, Cayce D. Utley Copy Editors Donna Hayden Foster, Melissa Hunter- Kilmer, Krista Cornish Scott, Patricia Schuchman Design/Layout Barbara Hennelly Art Director Lisa Toscani Feminists for Life of America P.O. Box 320667 Alexandria, VA 22320 www.feministsforlife.org Established in 1972, Feminists for Contents Life of America is a nonsectarian, nonpartisan, grassroots organization that seeks real solutions to the What Does She 14 FFL’s College Outreach challenges women face. Our efforts Face On Campus? Program Components are shaped by the core feminist values of , nondiscrimination, and 3 FFL Unveils Seven New 17 Feminists for Life’s nonviolence. Feminists for Life of America continues the tradition of Speaker Videos on YouTube Pregnancy Resource SurveySM early American feminists such as Susan Serrin M. Foster B. Anthony, who opposed . Feminists for Life of America 4 Chaunie’s Journey: In Every Issue recognizes that abortion is a reflection that our society has failed to meet the A Happy Beginning 9 Herstory: Sarah Norton needs of women. We are dedicated Chaunie Saelens Brusie to systematically eliminating the root causes that drive women to 16 Voices of Women Who Mourn 10 Feminists for Life University: abortion—primarily lack of practical resources and support—through Our Dream University 16 We Remember: Edrica Goode holistic, woman-centered solutions. Women deserve better than abortion. Feminists for Life of America is a 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. The opinions expressed in The American Feminist by individual authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the policies, views, or beliefs of FFL’s Board of Directors, President, or The American Feminist editorial staff. Copyright 2008. All rights reserved. ISSN 1532-6861

2 | FEMINISTS FOR LIFE FFL Unveils New Speaker Videos on YouTube

Just imagine if Feminists for Life could reach students on every campus in the country with our pro-woman, pro-life message. Well, now we can. What you can do? Last fall FFL introduced you to our new speakers—each of them a Remarkable Pro-Life Woman. This year, we introduce them to the world. If you are not already on our e-list and want notices of Thanks to the generous support of donors who initially sponsored the speakers’ bureau, donors who later funded the filming of our speakers, volunteer support and, most important, the courageous future videos, breaking news, speakers themselves, we have begun to release our seven FFL speaker videos, which will be unveiled legislative updates and “tools one by one over the coming school year and posted on FFL’s website and on YouTube. you can use,” go to our website, , and Feminists for Life speakers promote pro-woman solutions especially on college campuses. www.feministsforlife.org sign up today. We promise not Videos which will be released throughout the school year, will include: to inundate you with extraneous • Stories from women like Chaunie (page 4) who faced unplanned pregnancies during college— e-mails! All your contact and succeeded both academically and as mothers; information is confidential. • A “former card-carrying member of NARAL” who had an abortion; As each video is released, • A birthmother who made an empowering choice for herself and her child despite a lack of support please take a moment to watch from those she counted on the most; them yourself. Then tell your • A rape survivor who “didn’t know who the father was but knew who the mother was” and chose life; family, friends, co-workers, roommates, churches, • A woman who was aborted at five months' gestation and born alive; and organizations and any contacts • A woman who started a pregnancy resource center to honor her mother’s life-risking choice to give you may have in the media or in birth to her. public office. Share the videos I hope you will invite each of our speakers into your home and heart by going to our website and through Facebook or MySpace watching one of FFL’s videos today. or embed the videos on your Some stories will make you cheer. Others will make you cry. Each will make you think. website or blog. Because women deserve better, Go to our website and learn more about all of our dynamic speakers and FFL Pregnancy Resource ForumSM moderators and book them for your next Serrin M. Foster pro-woman, pro-life event. President

feministsforlife.org | 3 ast summer, college senior Chaunie Saelens’ LFeminists for Life internship launched her on a new course of pro-woman activism on campus. When she returned to school in the fall, Chaunie encouraged the leaders of her campus pro-life group to advocate for more resources and support for pregnant and parenting students. Little did she know that in a few short weeks she would become one of the women in need of support. Chaunie has asked me to share her story with you, and she invites you to join her journey as she faces challenges, receives support, and, most of all, celebrates her unplanned joy.

Because women deserve better, Serrin M. Foster President Chaunie’s Journey

A Happy Beginning

lines staring back at me. state, I went to the campus health November 22, 2007 Frantic and disbelieving, I service for confirmation. Dear Serrin, immediately took another A nurse practitioner called I left my Feminists for Life test. Positive again. me into her office and gave internship this summer fired In that instant, staring me the results of my test. up about helping pregnant down at the two tiny lines that There was no doubt about it, students on my campus. I represented the most dramatic I was pregnant. had no idea that in a few short change in my life, I understood When she started talking weeks I would be one of them. how women facing unplanned to me about telling my parents, Four weeks into my senior pregnancies can turn to abortion. I broke down. year I took a pregnancy test, In that moment of panic and I sat in the chair, crying sure that the result would fear, it does not feel like a new hysterically while the nurse be negative, that I was just life, but rather the end of life as examined her chart. After a easing my mind. I looked you know it. A million questions minute or two, she stood up and down to find two bright blue race through your mind—what said “I have other patients to see, will people think, what will I do, you can stay here if you want.” how can this be happening? You She left me crying and just wish it wasn’t happening, alone to see the only other wish you could rewind time, patient in the center, a young wish it would go away. man with a sore throat. It’s easy to understand My struggles continued women in crisis wishing after my visit to health services. that the baby isn’t real, so I gathered all the information they can make it go away. I could find about student The next day, still in denial insurance. Not one plan covered and in a very fragile emotional pregnancy. In fact, all of them

4 | FEMINISTS FOR LIFE specifically stated that they and I will hear our baby’s I’ll keep you and were directly impacting my would not cover pregnancy. heartbeat for the first time. everyone at FFL posted decisions about how I would Though the university While I have received so with photos and updates. proceed in my education, my used to have daycare on much support and love from work, and my pregnancy—and campus, I learned the all of my family and friends, For women, how it would affect other women President got rid of it a few it has still been a struggle Chaunie Saelens facing similar decisions. years ago. Housing was another adjusting to my new life. There Former Feminists for Life Intern My advisor and I walked disappointment; once again, is no easy way to get through an and President of campus into the office of the Director the university used to have unplanned pregnancy, but with Students for Life of Health Services for our family housing but dissolved the support I have received, I P.S. Please feel free to forward meeting. Much to my dismay, those dorms for the better- am managing, and every day this letter to whomever you think I discovered that the Director paying first-year students. brings me more happiness and needs to know what it is really of Health Services was actually I have to tell you, as excitement. As FFL’s Honorary like for pregnant students. the nurse practitioner that had president of my college pro-life Chair says, done my pregnancy test. I could group and an active advocate “Women who are experiencing December 21, 2007 feel my face turning red from for women, it was frightening an unplanned pregnancy also embarrassment, and I steeled to see the complete lack of deserve unplanned joy.” Dear Serrin, my spine to address the issues resources and support available I am so fortunate to have A week after I discovered we had come to talk about. for pregnant and parenting received love and support. I was pregnant, I went to meet So, I began one of the hardest students at my school. Sadly, this is not the case for with our club’s advisor. After conversations of my life. I understood how women many women who face situations in such a vulnerable situation like mine. could feel they have no choices. More than ever, I realize the In addition to physical vital importance of FFL’s work. and material resources I not only believe in Feminists I wanted to share for myself and my child, I for Life’s mission, I am living it. my story because needed emotional support. I am grateful that FFL is My boyfriend was scared changing the way people think I believe that there and uncertain, like me, but about pregnancy, particularly supportive. He could offer in higher ed. is a better way for no words of wisdom, but took It is possible for women my hand and told me that it to continue with their women. There is a would be OK. He offered his educations, with their career love and stood by my side. goals, with their dreams. FFL better way for me. I was absolutely terrified to refuses to choose. So do I. tell my parents. Every day that Serrin, I wanted to share passed without telling them my story because I believe that was even more horrible there is a better way for women. my experience at the campus The Director remembered because I so desperately There is a better way for me. Health Center, I decided I me and told me how busy she needed their support too. How reassuring it would needed to address the issue was that day, that she was When I finally worked up have been for the campus nurse of how our school responds to rushed because I was a walk-in. the nerve to tell my parents, practitioner to talk to me, discuss pregnant women. I spoke with She told me that I should their reaction was unbelievable. my options, offer me support and my club advisor, and together we have made an appointment, They offered me nothing but encouragement, and connect made an appointment with the rather than just drop in. love and support, and they me to community resources. Director of Health Services to I told her that I didn’t were even happy and excited Instead, she left me discuss what had happened and know you could schedule an for me! Word quickly spread alone and in tears. broach the issue of bringing the unplanned pregnancy. in my close-knit family and, I can’t imagine how a proper resources to campus. I remember pacing the incredibly, every single family woman unsure about abortion, I was incredibly nervous hallways of school for an hour member was supportive, offering uninformed about her about the meeting. It’s one before I worked up the nerve to to help in any way they could resources, lacking support from thing to stand in front of go into Health Services that day. and reassuring me that it was those she counted on the most, fellow students and hand out It was hard enough to walk in, let right to celebrate this new life. feels she has a choice—that hope pamphlets. It’s another to bring alone actually call and schedule I am now happily is there for a good outcome. your concerns to those in your an appointment! I probably never engaged, planning a beautiful Thank you for helping administration who have the would have kept the appointment. Christmas wedding and eagerly mothers like me. I’m deeply power to make change. The She should have recognized the awaiting my next doctor’s grateful to the many people who stakes were heightened by the courage it takes for a woman to appointment, when my fiancé support this important work. fact that the Director’s decisions reach out for help. The fact that I feministsforlife.org | 5 needed to change and resources I have juggled the challenges …women like me will be incredible needed to be made available of early pregnancy, complete mothers. We know the importance of for other women like me! with terrible morning sickness, I was thrilled that she was a grueling school schedule, work life, and we know how to struggle so open to working together, and championing for women for ourselves and our unborn babies. and surprised that I had made like me on campus, all while a difference. We scheduled a planning a wedding and dealing follow-up meeting with her with the stress of an unplanned boss to continue up the chain of pregnancy! Show me a student walked in for help should have command, working for resources mother on any campus, and I am been, for her, an opportunity, and support for pregnant and sure you will hear similar stories. not an inconvenience. parenting students. Even before we hold our babies The Director told me that I’ll write again soon to update in our arms, we are learning she had felt badly about what you on my journey! Meanwhile, to balance responsibilities. happened. She said she was new I encourage you and others at I am convinced that women to her position and she didn’t Feminists for Life to continue like me will be incredible have much support herself. your work for pregnant and mothers. We know the Though she was defensive at parenting students like me. importance of life, and we know first, the more we discussed my how to struggle for ourselves experience, the more she seemed For women, and our unborn babies. We have to take my message to heart. Chaunie had to hold our heads up high Put simply, the Director to disapproving looks, rude of Health Services had no February 14, 2008 stares at our pregnant bellies resources to offer me. and bookbags and a society that At the end of the meeting, Dear Serrin, wants women to choose either the Director was in complete Near the end of the fall education and career or children. agreement that something semester, as students were Our journeys will be difficult, clearing the campus, I found but we can be assured by the myself alone in the library, knowledge that we are truly balancing to-do lists with my showing the world that women final exam notes. I began to feel deserve better than abortion. my baby kick. At first, the gentle It took me a long time to fluttering against my abdomen overcome the shame that I was easy to miss, but since then thought was associated with an it has been growing stronger unplanned pregnancy. I have by the day. stood next to an older, successful, I find myself marveling at married woman and heard people my life and how quickly it has congratulate her on her “miracle changed. Just a few months ago, I from God,” while they avoided was enjoying an internship with looking at my expanding belly Feminists for Life, supporting and muttered a quick hello. Why student leaders and fighting to should one mother be treated overcome the challenges faced differently than another? Does by student parents. Now I am one mother deserve to be pitied, fighting for myself. The journey while the other celebrated, thus far has been exhausting, simply because of age, status or at times overwhelming, but circumstance? Is it any wonder it has also been a wonderful women feel driven to abortion? journey of self-discovery. I have As I continue with my begun to discover my strength pregnancy, I have entered the as a woman. I realize that the world of married life. Right before world may see me, a pregnant I came back for spring semester, young college student, as an I exchanged vows with the man unlucky statistic, a person to I love, the father of my child. He be pitied. But I am learning to is the person who held my hair hold my head high and realize for me when I was sick before that I have become stronger classes, the one who worked than I ever thought possible. overtime during finals week

6 | FEMINISTS FOR LIFE The Rally for Resources™ Chaunie planned at her school raised awareness of pregnant and parenting students and enlisted support through a petition, promoted the Pregnant and Parenting Student Services Act, featured campus and community resources, and even received donations to benefit pregnant students. when I needed help with my rent with.” What matters is that stigmas that surround them. payment. My new husband is first and foremost, I know I As a pregnant student simply wonderful, and I know he will be a successful student and attending school full-time, will make an incredible father. I mother. And I am proud of it! running my club and working am so grateful for Ben’s support I’ll write again to update part-time, I have taken advantage and help during this pregnancy. you on my journey! of the resources that we’ve While I am happy with my promoted to help pregnant choice to bring my baby into this Happy Valentine’s Day, and parenting students. For world with my husband at my side, Chaunie instance, I have qualified for the I have also learned that it doesn’t Women, Infants and Children matter what anyone else thinks. May 5, 2008 (WIC) program, which provides There are single, partnered, low-income mothers with separated, divorced and widowed Dear Serrin, mothers and fathers who love When our club began their children as much as any planning our Rally for Resources™ Why should one mother be treated married parent could, I was struck by the desperate differently than another? Does one and those who parent alone need to change the social stigmas certainly work hard and sacrifice attached to being a student parent. mother deserve to be pitied, while the unconditionally. They should I have worked so hard to find other celebrated, simply because of not feel marginalized; the resources that are available they deserve better. to students like me, only to find age, status or circumstance? Is it any I am reminded of the words out that using those resources is wonder women feel driven to abortion? of suffragist Sarah Norton, who often associated with shame. successfully argued for women’s Student parents may need admission to Cornell University, to turn to assistance programs coupons for food. I have used “Perhaps there will come a time and government healthcare this program with the peace of when…an unmarried mother to help them make it through mind that every dollar I can save will not be despised because of school, but utilizing these is going towards supporting my her motherhood…and when the resources is made difficult for baby. However, using the WIC right of the unborn to be born women, even married ones like program has been, at times, an will not be denied or interfered me, because of the negative embarrassing experience. feministsforlife.org | 7 A few weeks ago, I used the express lane in the supermarket and used a WIC coupon to purchase some cereal. Unknowingly, I had grabbed the wrong brand of cereal (WIC only covers certain brands), and the cashier proceeded to call over another cashier and together, they very publicly reprimanded me. As the line grew behind me and impatient foot-tapping filled the air, my eyes welled with tears and my face burned red. I knew what all the customers behind me were thinking—“Stupid girl, didn’t know better than to not get pregnant, now she to unplanned pregnancies the same challenges. And I was doesn’t even know how to buy and fully support the use of able to meet women just like cereal!” When I finally got out resources for student parents. me, pregnant and parenting of the store, I burst into tears A woman should be students who are aren’t giving and cried all the way home—all commended, not condemned, up on parenthood or their right this because I am doing what for doing all she can to to an education! It is vital and I need to do for the health support herself and her inspiring for student parents and life of my baby and me. child during school. to connect with one another. Why are mothers treated like It really helped me to read this? Is it really any wonder that For women, the experiences of other student women perceive abortion Chaunie parents in The American as the only solution? Does Feminist. At times, I just needed a little uplifting to remind me that it was all possible and, in the end, I believe that if I can have a baby, I can do all worth it. These stories were just what I needed after a long day. anything. Because of Ada, I am passionate about I believe that if I can have a making this world a better place, working to baby, I can do anything. Because of Ada, I am passionate about support my family, and living life to the fullest. making this world a better place, working to support my family, and living life to the fullest. choosing to give life to your It has taken an enormous baby while still in school mean August 15, 2008 amount of support for my you deserve to be publicly husband and me to bring humiliated over a box of cereal? Dear Serrin, our daughter into this world Students facing unplanned Please pass along the news successfully and joyfully. We pregnancies really are often that my daughter Ada was born could have never done it alone, facing a no-win situation. Not at the end of my senior year and we are so grateful for the only are we are looked down in May, when I also graduated help and support of FFL, our upon for having unplanned on time with honors. friends, our family and even pregnancies, but we are judged Ben and I thank everyone strangers who have helped for continuing the pregnancy— at Feminists for Life for us transition into the world and for using the few resources their encouragement and of parenthood. We love our that are available to help us. support over the months. beautiful little girl and know, Pro-life or pro-choice, we need With FFL’s help, I founded without a doubt, that our life is to not only make resources a club on my campus to support perfect—planned or unplanned. available to pregnant and pregnant and parenting students. parenting students, we need to I was able to use my experiences For women, end the negative stigma attached to help other students facing Chaunie

8 | FEMINISTS FOR LIFE ittle is known about the life of 19th century suffragist Sarah F. Norton beyond her writings. She was a public speaker, Lwriter for feminist publications and member of the Working Women’s Association who advocated for the education of women and girls, equal opportunity in the workplace and equal pay for women. Together, Sarah Norton and Susan B. Anthony agitated for the admission of women to Cornell University, which Norton called “that stronghold of feminine prejudice,” and won the support of Sarah F. Norton: the university’s founder, Ezra Cornell. Norton wrote to Anthony’s newspaper, The Revolution:

After speeches by [Anthony] and myself, the house became noisy, Herstory at her suggestion, for a speech from Mr. Cornell. With inimitable grace he walked to the platform and turning so as to command a view of both the audience and ourselves as much as possible, said: “…I would say in reply to Mrs. Norton’s expressed wish to enter the Worth University, that if she does not enter it, it will be her own fault.”… Mr. Cornell assured us that women are to be admitted… how far his personal influence or wishes will avail against the power [of Repeating the trustees and directors], remains to be proved… A year later, in 1870, Cornell became one of the first universities in By Cat Clark the United States to admit women. But equal education and employment opportunities were not Norton’s only concerns. In another feminist newspaper, Woodhull & Claflin’s Weekly, Sarah Norton harshly decried the “Tragedy—Social and Domestic” of infanticide and “the fast increasing crime of fœticide,” or abortion.

[C]hild-murder is an easy and every-day affair…[C]hild murder- ers practice their profession without let or hindrance, and open infant butcheries unquestioned, establishing themselves with an impunity that is not allowed to the slaughterers of cattle…Scores of persons advertise their willingness to commit this form of murder, and with unblushing effrontery announce their names and residences in the daily papers. No one seems to be shocked by the fact…. [C]irculars are distributed broadcast, recommending certain pills and potions for the very purpose, and by these means the names of these slayers of infants, and the methods by which they practice their life-destroying trade, have become “familiar in our mouths as household words.”…Is there no remedy for all this ante-natal child murder?…Perhaps there will come a time when… an unmarried mother will not be despised because of her mother- hood…and when the right of the unborn to be born will not be denied or interfered with.

Norton was particularly concerned that double standards regarding the sexes should be eliminated and that men should be held responsible for the “instigating” role they so often played. Feminists for Life is proud to share our rich pro-life with the next generation of pro-woman, pro-life leaders. We invite women and men from various perspectives to participate in creating solutions that meet the needs of pregnant women and parents in the workplace, on college campuses and at home.

Cat Clark is editor of The American Feminist and author of FFL’s 2007 Herstory of the Week™ e-tutorial. She is grateful for the research and assistance provided by Mary Krane Derr, co-editor of ProLife Yesterday and Today: Expanded Second Edition. feministsforlife.org | 9 The college pregnancy of a former Feminists for Life board member, which sadly ended in miscarriage, gave birth to a new idea. When she learned she was pregnant, she looked around her campus and said, “Without housing on campus for me and my baby, without on-site daycare, without maternity coverage in my health insurance, it sure doesn’t feel like I have much of a free choice.” At that time, FFL’s College Outreach Program focused on educational speeches and ads. By sharing her story, she inspired our work to meet the needs of pregnant and parenting students.

In 1996, Feminists for Life introduced its first university health clinic kits, which help clinic staff better understand a pregnant student’s situation and direct her to the resources she wants and needs. A few months later, I moderated the first FFL Pregnancy Resource Forum at Georgetown University, bringing students and administration members together to identify, publicize, and improve campus resources for pregnant and parenting students. Since that time, Feminists for Life has become a catalyst for change on campuses across the United States.

Do pregnant students have a choice to parent and remain at your college or alma mater? If you don’t see visibly pregnant women or parents on campus—including professors on the tenure track—that may indicate a problem.

“Feminists for Life University” is our dream school. It is a composite of the best pro-woman, pro-parent, pro-child solutions devised by students and administrators during FFL-hosted Pregnancy Resource Forums, plus a few of our own creative ideas.

For now it exists only as an ideal—only in our minds. Now you are invited to take ideas that suit your campus and work towards making it a reality.

–Serrin M. Foster, President

Welcome to FFLU: Our Dream Campus found that the same resources that make for the right of slaves to be free, the right of FFLU more accessible to pregnant and women to vote, and the right to life. Staff and Like many schools, FFLU is committed parenting students also make FFLU an ideal volunteers at the center coordinate resources to academic excellence, training the employer for pregnant and parenting staff. for pregnant and parenting students, leaders of the future and serving the Our commitment to pregnant and professors (yes, professors—including good of all people. FFLU is known for its parenting students through resources and women and men on the tenure track!) qualified and dedicated faculty and its support is conveyed during orientation and staff. A staffer is available by phone outstanding research facilities. But FFLU and our student handbook. The campus 24/7 for pregnant and parenting students. also offers something more, something newspaper, named The Revolution Continues Staffers are also crosstrained to address that other schools strive to emulate. after Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth domestic violence and sexual assault. When you were researching colleges, Cady Stanton’s newspaper The Revolution, you were already aware that our diverse includes regular resource updates and “When we consider that women are treated student population includes parents. Some family profiles. The campus radio station as property, it is degrading to women are older, nontraditional students. A few had occasionally interviews families as well that we should treat our children as property children before they came to college. Many as university officials. A cutting-edge ad to be disposed of as we see fit.” are married grad students in long doctoral campaign directs students to a website rich Elizabeth Cady Stanton, letter to Julia programs who didn’t want to wait forever to with pregnancy and parenting resources. Ward Howe, October 16, 1873 start a family, so they were grateful to find The Elizabeth Cady Stanton Pregnant FFLU. We also accept pregnant transfer and Parenting Student Center is the The Stanton Center offers parenting students, some planning on placing heartbeat of the campus. It is named after the classes and advice on how to balance their children for adoption, who want a suffragist who organized the first women’s school and parenting and provides supportive environment for themselves rights convention in Seneca Falls, , counseling for birth mothers before and and their children. Faculty and staff have in 1848. She and Susan B. Anthony fought after placing a child for adoption. The

10 | FEMINISTS FOR LIFE to donate and has instituted a model and parenting students, faculty and “recycling” program for clothes and staff receive personal invitations. The equipment (strollers, cribs, car seats). Stanton Center is eager to discover The Center staffers work as liaisons and implement creative ideas for with off-campus resources. They are in accommodating parents’ specific touch with doctors (OB/GYNs), midwives, needs. FFL staff takes all these great adoption agencies, pregnancy care ideas to other campuses where people centers and domestic violence shelters. understand that pregnant and parenting

There is a flagpole in front of Stanton Center. We raise a flag celebrating the birth of every child of students, professors and staff—just as Elizabeth Cady Stanton did when she gave birth to her child.

They help connect student parents with students are academically capable pediatricians, lactation consultants and and need and deserve our support! other healthcare providers. They access At the beginning of each academic government resources as needed, such as year, all university staff and professors Center also hosts reproductive grief the financial services available through go through an orientation program support groups for parents who have lost the Temporary Assistance to Needy of their own. Those who are more children through adoption, abortion, or Families (TANF) and Women, Infants, likely to be approached by students in miscarriage or after birth, and offers and Children (WIC) Nutrition Programs need—including people who work in individual counseling as needed. One- or the services of Legal Aid and the student health, financial aid, residential on-one discussions with pregnant and Office of Child Support Enforcement. life, counseling and the health center, as parenting students help them select the The Center buys supplies in bulk, so well as chaplains, club leaders, coaches resources they need from the school’s many parents can purchase diapers, formula, baby and advisors—receive more extensive options and simultaneously provide the food and other basics at a reduced cost. information from Stanton Center staff. Stanton Center with regular feedback. Stanton Center staff coordinates Jane Addams Village offers affordable There is a flagpole in front of Stanton resources on and off campus. They family housing adjacent to campus. It is Center. We raise a flag celebrating the also ensure that the Center, playground named for the founder of Hull House, a birth of every child of students, professors and family homes are all up to code. multiple-building settlement in Chicago’s and staff—just as Elizabeth Cady Stanton Every year the Elizabeth Cady Stanton inner city that provided housing, daycare, did when she gave birth to her child. Center asks someone from Feminists for eldercare, a public kitchen, educational A student mother anticipating the Life to moderate a Pregnancy Resource opportunities and library and recreation birth of a “legacy” receives a Peace Forum at FFLU in order to take inventory facilities to workers and families in need. Begins in the Womb™ maternity t-shirt of resources available on and off campus The board of trustees set aside as family or sweatshirt. Dads aren’t ignored, either. and to discover what resources can be housing the first building in FFLU’s Each expectant father gets a cap. Parents get improved. FFLU’s Pregnancy Resource village, a Victorian mansion converted totes, and babies get their own Peace bib. Forums are always well publicized. for multi-family use with a washer and The Stanton Center director is Representatives from different campus dryer in every apartment. As interest grew, known for getting corporate sponsors services, administration members additional houses were built or acquired.

feministsforlife.org | 11 the younger generation as her “nieces,” helpline staffed 24/7 with experienced and they called her “Aunt Susan.” childcare professionals. The second division does service work for pregnant “Sweeter even than to have had the joy of caring and parenting students, such as running for children of my own has it been to me to help errands and picking up groceries. bring about a better state of things for mothers Some parents prefer to trade generally, so their unborn little ones could not be babysitting with other parents. Other willed away from them.” parents trade tutoring for babysitting Susan B. Anthony in Frances E. Willard’s services. Many students order groceries Glimpses of Fifty Years, 1889 and other necessities online. The Alice Paul Library, named for the Through the Anthony Center, feminist who wrote the original Equal affectionately known as “Aunt Susan’s Rights Amendment and called abortion Center” to campus parents and children, the “ultimate exploitation of women,” has FFLU offers daycare for children of a soundproof “crying room” for students as well as faculty and staff children and their parents. members. It accepts infants as well as older Pregnancy tests are free and confidential children and offers pre-kindergarten, at the Dr. Charlotte Lozier Student Head Start and after-school care. Health Center, named for the doctor who Students majoring in early childhood raised several children while teaching education supplement the Anthony Center and maintaining an active maternal/child staff and gain hands-on learning and health practice. Lozier Center staffers are practicum credit. For student parents, knowledgeable about resources on- and off- there are special discounts, hourly rates campus. Maternity coverage is included in and scholarships. The university also healthcare and additional riders are available subsidizes a childcare co-op organized for other family members at affordable rates.

At Mattie Brinkerhoff Hall, the FFLU offers daycare for children of students as well as communal dining area, parents take faculty and staff members. It accepts infants as well as turns cooking family style meals with the guidance and supervision older children and offers pre-kindergarten, Head Start of a certified dietician, so they and after-school care. have only one meal to make every two weeks. The dietician handles specialized dietary needs. by student parents. Parents can check in The entire campus is fully accessible on their children through a webcam and to people on wheels—both wheelchairs “When a man steals to satisfy hunger, we may are encouraged to stop by the Anthony and strollers. safely conclude that there is something wrong Center for lunch or between classes. For the convenience of parents, diaper in society—so when a woman destroys the life Not every parent enrolls his or her decks are clearly labeled and strategically of her unborn child, it is an evidence that either child at the Anthony Center. Some choose placed across campus in both women’s by education or circumstances she has been to telecommute for all or part of their and men’s restrooms. Our student parents greatly wronged.” education. Should a student have to miss have no need to change a baby on a dirty Mattie Brinkerhoff, The Revolution, class due to the illness of a child, for floor. Family restrooms are also available September 2, 1869 instance, the class is available online. on campus, so Dad doesn’t have to bring his The Matilda Joslyn Gage Brigade, preschool-age daughter into the men’s room Susan B. Anthony Childcare Center named for the radical feminist scholar and or send her into the women’s room alone. is named for the great leader of the humanitarian activist, is a student-led For those who prefer privacy, suffrage movement. She never made it volunteer corps with two divisions. The comfortable places to nurse babies may to the in 1848, first division provides childcare so that be found in the health center, in the because she was teaching everyone else’s moms and dads can get away for study parenting student center, and in children. Anthony helped raise the groups, dinner, a movie or a game. These adjoining designated women’s rooms seven children of her friend Elizabeth sitters are certified in CPR and have across campus. These nursing rooms Cady Stanton and doted on her own been trained in home safety, first aid and also contain refrigerators and freezers nieces. She even referred to feminists of nutrition. They have a number to call a to store pumped breast milk. Breast

12 | FEMINISTS FOR LIFE pumps are rented at a very nominal fee. select the classes needed to fulfill curriculum Classrooms are equipped with requirements around their work schedules. desks or chairs and tables that The administration and academic advisors accommodate a pregnant woman. understand that it isn’t always possible to The Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell Hospital, complete an undergraduate degree in four named for the first American woman to years or to finish a post-graduate degree “on earn an MD, is adjacent to the campus. time.” Faculty and staff work with students This teaching hospital has a reputation to balance family, education and work. for excellence in obstetrics, gynecology FFLU students are able to attend school and pediatrics. Staff is knowledgeable part-time and retain their merit- and need- about paternity establishment and based financial aid. Students with athletic educates mothers and fathers about the scholarships can be “redshirted,” sitting out rights and responsibilities of fathers. of competition for a season and resuming play The Sarah Norton Scholarship Fund is the next season without losing eligibility time. named for the suffragist who successfully If students prefer, they can take a semester argued for women’s admission to Cornell or full year of leave. University and said, “Perhaps there Should a transfer to another school prove will come a time when...an unmarried the best option for a pregnant student (to be mother will not be despised because of her closer to family or for privacy, for example), motherhood...and when the right of the FFLU makes it easy for students transfer to unborn to be born will not be denied or other colleges and universities. FFLU also interfered with” (Woodhull’s and Clafflin’s accepts and facilitates transfers from other Weekly, November 19, 1870). Funds solicited colleges. Students may transfer to FFLU from donors and alumni are specifically permanently or return to their universities. set aside for students who choose to Parenting faculty and staff consider FFLU parent or place their child for adoption. an ideal, “family-friendly” employer, because Students may use scholarship funds toward the school extends the same concern to them tuition, books, housing and childcare. as to its students. FFLU recognizes that it is There are many options for students at in the whole school’s best interest to offer FFLU who may have trouble attending a full parenting employees reasonable parental Contributors: day of classes. FFLU offers classes online, leave and creative options like flextime Nicole Callahan and several professors are willing to take and job-sharing. Open communication Cat Clark on a number of students per semester for and cooperation among faculty, staff and Serrin M. Foster independent study. There are class times administration allow the school to find Maureen O'Connor throughout the morning, afternoon and the right solutions for each employee. Melissa Hunter-Kilmer into the evening, so students are free to

You Can Help Ensure The Revolution Continues… Now that you have toured FFLU, take our Pregnancy Resource SurveySM (included in this issue!) and rate your campus or alma mater or your daughter or son’s school. Subscribe to our free e-list and let us know if you have ideas to improve FFLU. You can become a great advocate for pregnant and parenting students. Say NO to the status quo.™ If you are a pro-woman, pro-life student leader who refuses to choose between women and children and believes women deserve better than abortion, you are invited to contact our College Outreach Program Coordinator. Feminists for Life has free student kits; a calendar filled with activities for small and large groups; free Women Deserve Better® posters and a series of ads/ flyers; information on booking a speaker, hosting an FFL Pregnancy Resource ForumSM or holding Rally for Resources;SM year-round support from FFL staff and more. Support Feminists for Life’s College Outreach Program by donating online at www.feministsforlife.org/support or send your check to FFLA, Dept. 0641, Washington, DC 20073. Thank you for helping us realize Susan B. Anthony’s unfulfilled vision for the world.

feministsforlife.org | 13 Student Kits and Online Activist Tools To inquire about booking a speaker, contact FFL’s free online student kit provides a step- our College Outreach Coordinator. Go to the College by-step guide that takes pro-life student leaders Outreach Section of our website and click on through four levels of pro-woman, pro-life “Book a Speaker.” campus activism. We help activists organize, SM recruit, educate and schedule events on campus. Pregnancy Resource Forums Our online tools also include our first-ever On campuses around the country, we bring e-series, Pro-Woman Answers to Pro-Choice administrators, faculty, students, and other campus Questions,™ which equips students to challenge stakeholders together to identify and develop the status quo in lecture halls and with their resources for pregnant and parenting students. For over a decade, peers on campus. FFL’s Pregnancy Resources FFL’s groundbreaking Forums inspired our pro-life and pro-choice SurveySM empowers student leaders to evaluate legislation, the Elizabeth Cady Stanton Pregnant students have reacted the resources and support for pregnant and Parenting Student Services Act, which would revolutionize campuses and bring vital support to with enthusiasm to FFL’s and parenting students at their schools. pregnant women and student parents on campus. College Outreach Grow Your Group Kits Program. Our program Another kit of materials including posters, materials, lectures bumper stickers and brochures is available to help and resource kits help grow pro-woman, pro-life student groups during orientation and throughout the school year. those on both sides This kit is provided at no cost to student leaders. of the contentious debate redirect energy Feminists for Life Lectures on Campus FFL President Serrin Foster shares the rich towards woman- SM history of pro-life feminism in her speech Rally for Resources Kits centered solutions. “The Feminist Case Against Abortion.” Serrin FFL’s new Rally for ResourcesSM event helps emphasizes the importance of developing student leaders raise campus awareness and support and services for pregnant and parenting call on their administration to develop and students so that no college woman feels forced promote pregnancy and parenting resources to choose abortion due to lack of resources. on campus. These Rallies bring the discussion FFL’s speakers’ bureau also includes women about resources and support to the public square. who share powerful personal stories. These women Our online and printed materials kits include include student parents, birthmothers, and women new Say NO to the Status Quo™ bumper stickers, who have experienced the pain of sexual assault T-shirt iron-ons, posters and more. As part of and abortion. Many of them were featured in the these events, students also collect signatures on fall 2007 issue of The American Feminist, and petitions supporting the Elizabeth Cady Stanton you can read about them on FFL’s website at Pregnancy and Parenting Student Services Act. www.feministsforlife.org/cop/speakers.htm. Pregnancy Resources Kits These free online kits are tailored for clinic staff, counselors, student groups, pro-life students, group advisors, FFL leaders and other women’s advocates. They provide essential information on pregnancy resources and support.

Feminist History Book, Poster and Online Resources FFL’s feminist history materials fills a critical information gap in our institutions of learning. Targeted to libraries, women’s

14 | FEMINISTS FOR LIFE Website www.feministsforlife.org is the best resource for information on Feminists for Life. There you can order Covetable StuffTM from FFL’s online store. Download College Outreach Program ads, T-shirt iron-on designs or our new screensavers. Learn “Pro-Woman Answers to Pro-Choice Questions.™” Find information about our speakers. Read about FFL in the news, and find out when we’re coming to your area. Visit www.feministsforlife.org, sign up for the free e-list—and don’t forget to bookmark us!

New Videos studies professors and women’s resource Seven new videos of our speakers will be released throughout the 2008-09 school year! Be sure that centers, they include Pro-Life Feminism: FFL President Serrin you are on FFL’s e-list to get the announcement Yesterday and Today, FFL’s “Voices of Our Foster shares the rich Feminist Foremothers” poster, and a one- and the link. Then do your part by forwarding a history of pro-life feminism year subscription to The American Feminist. link to your family, friends, classmates, coworkers, Our website features pages of feminist media, organizational leaders and elected leaders. in her speech “The Feminist history, including FFL’s energizing e-series, If you are not a student and would like to Case Against Abortion.” Serrin Herstory of the Week, a series of biographies help student activists: emphasizes the importance about our pro-life feminist foremothers. of developing support and • Your $100 gift can sponsor a Rally for ResourcesSM kit services for pregnant and College Outreach Posters and Ads to bring the needs of women to the public square. Our striking, thought- • Your sponsorship of $250 will allow FFL to parenting students so that no provoking series of provide year-round support for a collegiate college woman feels forced to College Outreach group that will courageously lead a revolution choose abortion due to lack of Program ads helps of solutions for women and children. resources. student leaders • Your $1,500 gift can give leaders on 30 spread the message campuses a “Grow Your Group” kit to help kick “Refuse to Choose, off this year’s revolution on their campus. Women Deserve • Your contribution of $2,000-3,000 can Better,” educate sponsor a lecture. their campuses and communities And for $5,000, you can sponsor a lecture on key issues, and and FFL Pregnancy Resource Forum—to create interest in revolutionize a campus. upcoming speeches, forums and pro-life events. All donations and membership contributions Also included is a new ad, “Where Have All the are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by Pregnant Students Gone?” (See back cover.) law. And don’t forget to sign up for our e-list to get announcements about lectures, forums, Internships legislative updates, and announcements Volunteer internships are available in the about the release of each new video! Washington office during spring and fall semesters and summer break. To apply, contact the coordinator at the national office atinfo @feministsforlife.org. Please help us send a kit to campus! Support this program by going to www.feministsforlife.org/support. Do it now. Thank you!

feministsforlife.org | 15 drica Goode, a Riverside ambulance took her to Riverside filed by Aletheia Meloncon, Community College County Regional Medical Center. Goode’s mother, alleged that Estudent, was a little more Hospital staff informed Planned Parenthood’s nurse than 14 weeks pregnant when she Goode’s relatives that she practitioner discovered that went to Planned Parenthood was pregnant. However, her Goode had a vaginal infection of San Diego and Riverside doctors and relatives found out before the laminaria were Counties (California) on January about the preparations for her inserted but began the abortion 31, 2007. There laminaria were abortion only when Goode’s procedure anyway. The lawsuit inserted to dilate her cervix boyfriend told her mother eight also contended that Planned Parenthood’s attempts to contact Goode when she did not return for her appointment on February 1 were insufficient. “My daughter made a We Remember choice, but she didn’t choose to in preparation for a second- days later. The cervical dilators die,” said Meloncon. “A lost dog Edrica Goode trimester abortion. She had and gauze were discovered gets more attention than my not told her family that she during a pelvic examination daughter did. This has really 1985 – 2007 was pregnant or that she was on February 13. Goode torn at my family.” She added, planning to have an abortion. miscarried that day and died “With restaurants, they shut At home the next day, Goode the next. She was 21 years old. them down if they find a roach began to experience fevers The causes of Goode’s for public health reasons. My and vomiting and was too ill to death, according to a Riverside daughter has died and Planned answer calls or go out. According County coroner’s report, Parenthood is still open.” to family members, she became included “toxic shock syndrome increasingly disoriented, secondary to retained Sources: Riverside Press-Enterprise incoherent and aggressive. On laminaria cervical dilators.” (pe.com), February 4, when she began A wrongful death and (latimes.com), LifeNews.com, to lose consciousness, an medical malpractice lawsuit WorldNetDaily.com voıces voıces voıces voıces of women who mourn voıces voıces voıces

ears ago when I was in college, I found myself pregnant and I was afraid I could not finish college and [would] ruin the rest of my life, the father was an abusive man, and my mother would forever judge me and smother my life if I had a child. Ten minutes Yafter I found myself pregnant I confided in a “friend” my boyfriend had convinced me to move in with. She had had an abortion and immediately called to set up my appointment. Within 48 hours I had my abortion. That morning, I told myself, “after today, my life will never be the same again.” I didn’t realize the depth of that truth. My new roommate used my situation. She contacted her former boyfriend and convinced him to lend me $300 and drive us to the clinic. I turned to the wrong person for help. A few hours after my abortion, I attended class and took my finals. I must have been in complete denial. I was so afraid to admit to myself what I did, I set myself up for years of pain and suppressed anger. I spent years punishing myself. Ten years ago, I was given an opportunity to make some good from my bad decision. A co-worker told me she was pregnant and was afraid to tell her parents so she was going to get [an] abortion and wanted me to take her. I told her I regretted my decision every day and I could almost not live with it. I persuaded her to tell her parents and take some time before she made her final decision. Her parents were upset but they supported her situation. She decided to keep her baby. Several years later, she thanked me. And the pic- ture of her beautiful little girl, Rachel, took away some of my guilt. She was a first step in my healing. And for the first time in 18 years, I think after today, “from today on, my life will never be the same.” – Excerpted with permission from RachelsVineyard.org.

16 | FEMINISTS FOR LIFE Date: FEMINISTS FOR LIFE’S PREGNANCY RESOURCES SURVEY™

Please provide the following contact information (please print clearly)

Name School Address City/Town State/Province Zip/Postal Code & Country Email Phone Number

Anticipated date of graduation Organization Title (if an officer)

Please choose one of the following options If your school DOES have on campus If your campus DOES offer childcare, to describe your standing at your college/ housing for students with children, is it what is the weekly cost? university: available to any or all of the following  Undergraduate student students? (you may choose multiple answers)  Graduate student  Undergraduate student If your campus DOES offer childcare, does  Alumna/alumnus  Professor  Graduate student the childcare center offer care for infants?  Other staff  Foreign students on an education visa  Yes  No  Other (please specify)  Do not know  Do not know  Plans are under way

Is affordable off-campus housing located Does your college list/connect parents to Please choose one of the following options to nearby? volunteer or paid babysitters? describe your school:  Yes  No  Yes  No  State school  Do not know  Plans are under way  Do not know  Plans are under way  Private college/university  Religiously affiliated school Please add any additional comments Does your college/university offer you have about the housing situation referrals to off-campus childcare? Education for pregnant and parenting students  Yes  No Does your college/university offer flexible on your campus.  Do not know  Plans are under way class times (evenings, weekends, etc.)? Please provide any additional comments you  Yes  No  Do not know  Plans are under way may have about childcare on your campus. Does your college/university offer telecommuting or distance learning oppor- tunities? (classes online, on TV, etc.)  Yes  No Childcare  Do not know  Plans are under way Does your college offer on-campus child- Please include any additional comments you care? have about the educational accommodations  Yes  No Healthcare on your campus.  Do not know  Plans are under way Is there maternity coverage in the student If your campus DOES have childcare healthcare plan?

available, is it available to the following  Yes  No groups? (you may choose multiple answers)  Do not know  Plans are under way  Undergraduate students  Graduate students Are additional insurance riders available to Housing  Faculty cover children of students?  Administration and staff  Yes  No Is on-campus housing available for  Foreign students on an education visa  Do not know  Plans are under way parents and children?  Do not know  Yes  No  Do not know  Plans are under way feministsforlife.org | 17 Please provide any additional comments you Financial Aid Other educational materials (bookmarks, have about healthcare for pregnant and par- brochures, etc.)? enting students on your campus. Are there loans and scholarships available  Yes  No specifically to parenting students?  Do not know  Plans are under way  Yes  No

 Do not know  Plans are under way Advertisements on posters, ads, or other signage? Does the athletic department have  Yes  No policies that would allow a pregnant  Do not know  Plans are under way athlete to retain her scholarship as if she Are the Residential Advisors aware of the Child-Friendly Campus were an injured player (also known as “red- shirting”)? scope of pregnancy resources available on  Yes  No and off campus? Is your campus accessible to accommodate  Do not know  Plans are under way  Yes  No parents using strollers as well as those in  Do not know  Plans are under way wheelchairs? (ramps, elevators, etc.) Are student loans or scholarships  Yes  No available for: Has an FFL Pregnancy Resource ForumSM  Do not know  Plans are under way Family housing (on or off campus)? been hosted on your campus?  Yes  No  Yes  No Are there diaper-changing stations avail-  Do not know  Plans are under way  Do not know  Plans are under way able in restrooms?  Yes  No Child care? Please provide any additional comments  Do not know  Plans are under way  Yes  No you have about pregnancy resources on your  Do not know  Plans are under way campus. Is there a private place designated for women who are nursing or pumping breast Please provide any additional comments you milk? may have about financial aid for pregnant  Yes  No and parenting students on your campus.  Do not know  Plans are under way

Are students generally aware of paternity establishment and child support enforce- ment laws that give fathers rights as well as responsibilities?  Yes  No  Do not know  Plans are under way Pregnancy Support Services Would you be interested in hosting an Are women aware of the information they FFL Pregnancy Resource ForumSM on need (paternal full name, social security Is there a person or a central office respon- your campus? number, mother’s maiden name, school and sible for helping pregnant and parenting  Yes  No home address, employer, etc.) in order to students obtain all available establish paternity should the father resist on- and off-campus services? Email: his responsibilities?  Yes  No  Yes  No  Do not know  Plans are under way  Do not know  Plans are under way Phone: Are school policies and services regarding Is there designated parking on campus for pregnancy resources and support for par- pregnant women or parents with infants? enting students found through:  Yes  No  Do not know  Plans are under way Web site?  Yes  No Please return completed survey to: Please provide any additional comments you  Do not know  Plans are under way College Outreach Program Coordinator have about the child-friendliness of your Feminists for Life of America campus. First-year students’ orientation? PO Box 320667  Yes  No Alexandria, VA 22320  Do not know  Plans are under way [email protected] Please enclose copies of relevant information from Student handbook?  Yes  No student handbooks, school websites, and other  Do not know  Plans are under way materials. Thank you!

18 | FEMINISTS FOR LIFE To read Feminists for Life's groundbreaking Perception Is Reality study, visit: www.feministsforlife.org/cop/perception.htm Live the legacy… leave a legacy e who refuse to choose between women and Wchildren live the legacy of Susan B. Anthony and the other early American feminists. Please consider leaving a legacy by including Feminists for Life of America as a beneficiary of your estate so that our work may continue. Let us know so that we may properly acknowledge your gift.

Monthly Donors Provide Core Support Help FFL help Women and Children! Your monthly electronic donations provide essential support as FFL works to bring about positive, holistic change. To begin your monthly contributions, simply fill out the electronic transfer form and send it (along with a voided check) to FFL. It’s that easy! Donations will be debited on the first business day of each month and will be put to work immediately by FFL. Your participation helps FFL continue the tradition of the early feminists—pro-woman and pro-life! I want my bank to transfer monthly donations to Feminists for Life of America. My authorization to charge my account shall To order copies of The American Feminist be the same as if I had personally signed a check to FFLA. This authorization shall remain in effect until I notify FFLA or my featuring the Perception Is Reality study, bank in writing that I wish to end this agreement and FFLA send $5 for each magazine plus shipping and or my bank has had a reasonable amount of time to act on my handling (20% of total, minimum $7.00) to request. A record of each charge will be included in my regular bank statements and will serve as my receipt. FFL, Dept 0641, Washington, DC 20073. $ Amount of monthly pledge ($5 minimum) To order bulk copies, please contact the Name national office atinfo @feministsforlife.org. Address

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Please check your mailing label to see if your Signature Date membership has expired. Please enclose a voided check from your account to show the bank’s address and your account number. Please go online to support FFL or Send to: Feminists for Life of America PO Box 320667, Alexandria, VA 22320 make a membership contribution at Electronic fund transfers will begin immediately upon receipt. www.feministsforlife.org/support. Thank you! TAF12-08 feministsforlife.org | 19 If she is missing on campus, don’t be missing in action. Does your campus have the resources that pregnant and parenting students need and deserve? Join the revolution.

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