A controversy has arisen at the University of Manchester with the establishment of a new pro-life society, leading to over 15,000 individuals signing a petition advocating for its dissolution.
The petition, organized by students, criticized the university for permitting the formation of the society, arguing that it contributes to an existing stigma surrounding abortion.
Despite the backlash, the students’ union clarified that they could not prevent the formation of a society based on its members’ beliefs.
The Manchester Pro-Life society, which was officially recognized by the Manchester Students’ Union on 11 January, aims to advocate for the well-being and dignity of every human life from conception onwards.
Contrary to being labeled as an anti-abortion group, the society defines itself as pro-life, emphasizing its positive stance on life-related issues.
The society’s committee, as announced in an Instagram post on 9 February, includes George Vincent, a history of art student serving as the president, and Jacob Karinatan, a medical student acting as the treasurer. A third student initially part of the committee has since withdrawn their involvement.
The petition urging the dissolution of the society argues that its presence intensifies the stigma surrounding abortion, asserting that women at the University of Manchester should not face additional pressure or judgment on such personal matters.
The pro-life society, on its webpage, states its mission to cultivate a pro-life environment on campus and uphold the dignity of every human life from its earliest stages, encouraging student participation to advance the cause of life.
In response to criticisms, a society spokesperson highlighted their broader focus on issues beyond abortion, including concerns such as assisted suicide, the death penalty, poverty-related deaths, healthcare infrastructure challenges, and climate change.
The forthcoming Higher Education (Freedom of Speech) Act 2023, effective from 1st August, emphasizes universities’ responsibilities regarding freedom of speech, with students’ unions mandated to promote and safeguard academic expression.
The act underscores that students’ unions must take reasonable measures to ensure compliance with the prescribed code of practice.
In a statement on their website, the University of Manchester Students’ Union executive officers emphasized the importance of fostering a culture that encourages active engagement, diverse perspectives, and inclusivity on campus.
Despite concerns over conflicting viewpoints and student safety, the students’ union reiterated their obligation to allow societies to form based on their legal views, even if they differ from those of other students, in accordance with legal provisions.