When I entered the seminar room for my course “Introduction to Gender Studies,” I instantly realized what’s in store for me. Either I stay quiet in the corner of the classroom and try to be as inconspicuous as possible, or I face total humiliation.
From the very beginning of the seminar, it’s clear where my professor is headed: “third-wave feminism” propaganda and very clear ideological messaging.
She promotes the Women’s Referendum, advocates for transfeminism, and brings up hot topics like “violence during childbirth.”
Don’t get me wrong — I’m all in when it comes to taboo or highly emotional topics. A healthy exchange and discourse on these matters is essential for a functioning and progressive society.
But I sense that this goes beyond mere “student information.”
So far, so good. I participate here and there in class but mostly keep a low profile. Until the inevitable happens: we have to choose presentation topics. And surprise, surprise—NO ONE wants to present on abortion. Neither do I. But since I recently stumbled upon the suffering caused by abortion, there’s no turning back. I can’t cover up injustice! So I accept the topic.
My research is heartbreaking!
To see that…
…an embryo already has a heartbeat at week 6, or does somersaults and sucks its thumb by week 12—and up to this point can be aborted legally in Austria…
…every 3rd to 4th pregnancy in Austria ends in abortion. That’s more than 35,000 babies every year!
…psychological consequences like nightmares, depression, anxiety disorders, and suicide attempts drastically increase after abortion!
…how, for example, a surgical abortion by curettage is performed (not for the faint-hearted!)
and much more.
Now I know even more clearly: I CANNOT BE SILENT!
I deliver my presentation in a scientific and competent manner, hoping the facts will speak for themselves and reach at least one (student’s) heart.
That this doesn’t sit well with the leftist mainstream becomes immediately obvious: halfway through my talk, my professor interrupts me angrily, demands to know my sources in an agitated tone, quickly discredits the pro-life movement (which I hadn’t even mentioned!), and leaves me completely humiliated to return to my seat.
So much for freedom of opinion and a progressive society.
I remain with tear-filled eyes and deep shame. Never before have I experienced such humiliation.
Was it worth it, you ask?
Yes, yes, and a thousand times YES! If I know that even one single little being was protected from being ripped from its safest home—its mother’s womb—then it was all worth it.
To the male colleagues in my course, I make this appeal: Stand by your partner! Don’t abandon her and your child!
To the female colleagues, I say: Be brave! Don’t let the world tell you what you can or can’t do! You are stronger than you think, and you are not alone! For a future full of life and love.
Life is life. From conception until natural death. NO EXCEPTIONS!
