Students passing by Zimmerman Library on Monday were greeted with a graphic 18-foot poster of an aborted fetus as part of a pro-life display sponsored by Justice for All.
Alexandra von Ausdall, president of UNM's chapter of Justice for All, said the display was huge because the issue is huge.
"Words may change your mind, but pictures change your heart," von Ausdall said.
She said the display was intended to present ideas to the UNM community.
"When you start moving the line between when life is valuable or viable, how long is it before you are on the other side of the line?" von Ausdall said. "Whether a child is wanted or not should not decide if someone is valuable."
The display, funded by various pro-life supporters, upset many students throughout the day, and got opposing opinions and demonstrations from several individuals.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Angie Manfredi voiced her opinions on the abortion issue by holding up a photograph of the body of Gerri Santoro, a woman who died from an illegal abortion in 1964.
"This photograph immobilized the pro-choice movement in the '70s," Manfredi said. "This display is meant to shock people, and I wanted to shock them back."
She said she wanted people to see that the face of an anti-choice movement has a human toll.
"I am pro-life, too," Manfredi said.
Dana Zubari, a student who said she has researched the issue, pointed out the economics involved in many abortions.
"Many women can't afford the contraceptives, much less a child," Zubari said. "Adoption in this country is horrible."
Some students walking by the exhibit screamed profanities and criticism after being appalled by the graphic nature of the posters. The Dean of Students Office warned students about the display last week through e-mails and a letter to the editor in the Daily Lobo.
"As long as an activity does not materially disrupt the teaching, learning, research or business activities of UNM, (the activity) would be approved," said Randy Boeglin, dean of students.
He said the group submitted an activity request form to set up on campus, and that the core principle of an educational institution is the free flowing ideas and unfettered speech.
The College Democrats set up their own display in front of Zimmerman Library to provide information on abortion and contraception.
"We are helping inform women on how not to get pregnant," said Mathew Copus, a volunteer for College Democrats. "If that isn't enough, they should have the right to choose what goes on. It is not a government issue."
Marshall Martinez, co-chairman of College Democrats, agreed.
"Abortion is a symptom of the problem," he said. "The problem is unwanted pregnancy."
Martinez, who attended Sunday's pro-choice march in Washington D.C., called the display manipulative and sensationalist.
"The display is really pro-fetus life," he said. "Women are going to get abortions whether they are legal or not."
Von Ausdall said despite opposition, the UNM organization was not condemning anyone, but rather offering perspective.
"How many people are under the impression that a fetus is just a wad of nothing?" she said.
Von Ausdall added that the abortion issue is not black and white.
"We understand the choices, but two wrongs don't make a right," she said.
