Planned Parenthood support group “VOX” combats graphic display at UK.

Abortion is one of the most controversial and hottest topics up for debate in the United States today. In reaction to a group of people from the Center for Bio-ethical Reform (CBR), VOX: Voices for Planned Parenthood want to be heard too.

On the University of Kentucky’s campus, between the Whitehall Classroom building and Anderson building, sits one of the most trafficked walkways on campus used by pedestrian students walking to and from classes. Today, you could see an enormous billboard-style display of signs set up in a circle and photos put up by the CBR, showing their disgust and discontent with modern day abortion. As students walk by gasping and staring, you definitely get the feeling that these people are looking for a “shock and awe” reaction, and that’s exactly what they are getting. As students and faculty pass by, one can not help but to look at the startling images that are up on display.
CBR signs read:
“Abortion is genocide.”
“Wheres the gap…between abortion and murder?”
“Killing a baby.. Is a bad choice.”

VOX (Latin for “Voice”) — Voices for Planned Parenthood — has set up a booth about 100-feet away, with a handful of young women handing out fliers and “VOX” pins to people who come to talk to them. On their small set-up, they have posters that read:
“Stand with Planned Parenthood”
“Trust Women”
The VOX supporters’ approach is a bit less, lets say, vivid, than the overwhelming and attention grabbing CBR display. “We’re just here to acknowledge that genocide and abortion are not synonymous. We believe that women have a choice, and that’s a liberating freedom we have in America,” said VOX-UK president Liz Licis. “I had a girl come up to me crying because of the things they’re doing over there, we’re just here for support for people who believe in choice,” she said.
Obviously passions run deep on both sides of this argument, that’s undeniable. But Liz and the other members of VOX believe that getting a “right message across” doesn’t take graphic images and genocide comparison, and that “choice is what truly matters.”

The VOX members at UK will be holding a rally at 12 noon, tomorrow, Thursday, April 7 at the “Free Speech” area at the Student Center Courtyard on UK’s campus. Licis said, “We just want to get the word out and let women know they have a voice.”