The SMU Feminist Equality Movement and Mustangs for Life co-hosted the discussion panel “More Than a Movement” on April 18.

The panel’s purpose was to show anti-abortion and pro-abortion rights viewpoints and allow an open conversation surrounding the topic of abortion.

“The primary objective of the dialogue is to bring together selected, diverse voices for an open and meaningful conversation on the topic of abortion in America and actively listen and strive to empathize with the opposing point of view,” FEM President Julia Cantu said.

The discussion was moderated through a series of questions which covered topics such as where the conflict begins and the terminology used to describe aspects of pregnancy. Despite their opposing views, both anti-abortion and pro-abortion rights sides agreed on one big issue.

“I think also one thing that we can definitely agree on is we both have a value of human rights,” pro-abortion rights panelist Angela Wang said.

The discussion was concluded by written audience questions. One audience member, Noah Spears, had his opinion about why open discussions like this are so important to attend.

“Just so they can get new understandings and hear different views and what other people think about it,” Spears said.

Multiple viewpoints and arguments were given on both sides to present an unbiased intellectual discussion. Although the topic of abortion will continue to be a source of debate, panels like More Than a Movement allow all sides to come together and maybe even find some common ground.