Students walking near the Union’s front steps this week should notice two unique sights — a field of red, white and blue crosses behind a bloody fetus billboard and the reaction of other passing students.
Students for Life of LSU set up the display as a silent protest against abortion and a memorial for both the babies and the women it affects, said Richard Mahoney, a consultant and friend of the organization.
Though the organization’s display is larger and more elaborate than in previous years, the billboard featuring a 10-week-old aborted fetus attracts the most attention.
“Last year, people brushed us off, and this year we wanted to show them that abortion destroys both the woman and the baby,” Mahoney said. “This is not even one of our graphic pictures; it’s not as graphic as an older baby.”
Several students near the Union said though the display disturbed them, it stood for an appropriate cause.
“I completely support the pro-life movement and the actions that they are taking,” said Danielle Lauzon, an animal science sophomore. “It’s depressing, but it makes me feel good that there are people taking action.”
Anna Richey agreed the picture disturbs people but only shows the truth.
The crosses then let them know how many unborn babies are victims of abortion each year, Richey said.
Other students sitting on the front steps said they felt the organizations should have placed the billboard in a different spot.
“I just finished eating,” said Megan Thomas, a mass communication freshman. “Abortion is a big thing, and people already know how they feel about it. The picture is not going to change their opinion, just disgust them or depress them.”
“The billboard is gross and used as shock value to scare people into thinking abortion is bad,” said Todd Willis, a psychology freshman.
Students for Life plans keep their display, called “Their blood cries out: Stop the terrorists in the United States,” on the Parade Ground throughout the week.
“I understand that there are other activists on campus, particularly those who put up the coat hangers last year, who believe there is a threat of making abortions illegal,” said Evan Lemoine, a Students for Life member and English junior. “But it’s like making murder legal; they shouldn’t allow people to kill in the fear that someone will choose to do it anyway.”
This year, the red, white and blue crosses in the display represent the United States and the crucifix scene. The red cross represents the good thief who repented to Jesus as America should do, and the blue cross represents the bad thief, Mahoney said.
“It’s about America’s fight against its own terrorists,” Mahoney said. “This is what the President and Congress cried out for after Sept. 11, and this is what we hope will convince them of the infinite value of these little babies in the womb.”