Last Wednesday, protesters swarmed Students for Life staff at a scheduled Kristan Hawkins tour stop in liberal California.

At first, 30 individuals rallied on the sidelines of our tour stop at Cerritos College, leading campus police to set up barricades to ensure our safety. Just minutes after the barricades were set up, we were swarmed by roughly 100 protestors, creating an immediate atmosphere of hostility. 

The protestors wielded a variety of signs that conveyed their fervent beliefs. Messages included “F your feelings, abortion is healthcare,” “Get off campus,” and the notably ironic, “Human rights are not debatable.” Among the protestors was a man who approached the microphone wearing a fake pregnant belly. His behavior escalated to the point where he became threatening and loud, necessitating police intervention to maintain order. 

One particularly poignant moment came when a woman stepped forward to share her personal experience with abortion. She spoke candidly about the profound negative impact it had on her life, urging the crowd to conduct thorough research on the consequences of such a choice. Her heartfelt testimony emphasized that many women experience deep regret after the procedure. Unfortunately, her bravery was met with mockery from the crowd, who attempted to drown her out with jeers, insisting, “That’s her experience,” and asserting that no one else should impose their beliefs on others. 

Another protestor chose to wear only a bra and underwear over her clothes, claiming that women associated with the event — including Kristan and myself — were betraying feminism. She held a sign depicting a grotesque pig with the caption, “Pro-Life, mmm burp more babies now. They want our bodies.” This incident starkly illustrated the danger of categorizing all women under a singular ideology, as it ignores the diverse perspectives and experiences that exist within the broader feminist discourse. 

As the event progressed, we later learned that this particular woman had intended to pepper spray both Kristan Hawkins and me, reflecting the extreme lengths to which individuals may go when feeling threatened. Such actions reveal a deeper societal discontent and a troubling inability to engage in civil discourse. 

These encounters serve as a stark reminder of the brokenness within our culture. Many individuals have fallen prey to the narrative that equates empowerment with the termination of unborn lives. The idea that one must sacrifice their own child to feel liberated is a profound tragedy. Abortion, in its truest sense, can be viewed as human sacrifice—an act that not only affects the unborn but also leaves lasting emotional scars on the mothers involved. 

It’s essential to foster a culture of understanding and compassion, rather than one that promotes division and hostility. We must remind ourselves that not all women share the same beliefs or experiences regarding abortion. By creating a more inclusive conversation, we can help heal the wounds of a fractured society. Addressing these issues requires us to confront uncomfortable truths while promoting respect for differing viewpoints. Only then can we hope to cultivate a culture that values life and nurtures genuine empowerment.