In an effort to highlight the diverse views of Mississippi State University, the Gender Studies program hosted Dr. Willie Parker on Thursday to present his lecture “Abortion and the Christian Case for Choice.”
Parker, a controversial OB/GYN and Christian, works at the only abortion clinic in the state.
Director of Gender Studies at MSU, Kimberly Kelly, said she is adamant about women’s rights and accomplishments and hopes to shine a light on these successes annually, specifically during Women’s History Month, which began March 1.
“I am proud of our on-going effort to make Women’s History Month more visible,” Kelly said. 
Kelly recognizes the views of the majority are “overwhelmingly conservative and religious.” As a result, Kelly wanted to recognize the diverse views of abortion. 
“Not much air-time is given to pro-choice, considering varying circumstances of women, like poverty and racial inequality,” Kelly said. 
Kelly said abortion is not only about a woman’s right to choose, but also about equality.
“Abortion (is) critical to women’s equality and to further a greater society,” Kelly said. “As a public university, MSU is committed to diversity through freedom of speech, even when the topic is not popular amongst all.”
Parker also explained intellectual conversations discussing these highly controversial topics are the force to allow for respected disagreements.
“The academy is a critical space and very important place to have this conversation,” Parker said. 
A native of Birmingham, Alabama, he understands why many question his Christian views, especially in a place as conservative as the South. Despite this, Parker feels as if performing abortions is his Christian duty. 
“Religious compassion led me to become an abortion provider,” Parker said.
Parker mentioned his willingness to perform abortions is derived from compassion. He said this compassion allows him to understand the suffering many may experience while pregnant.
“Their experience is not mine, but as someone with the power to help, it is my obligation to help,” Parker said.
As a result of Parker’s willingness to help, he has memories of criticizers naming him as not “authentically Christian, as if there is only one way to understand Christianity and be a Christian.”
“Their view is not the Christian understanding, but a Christian understanding,” Parker said.
Many with opposing views did not attend Dr. Parker’s speech but rallied outside Old Main.
Dana Chisholm, the President of Pro-Life Mississippi, a Christian organization, who is staunchly against abortion, also supports her ideals with her Christian background.
“Dr. Parker says he performs abortions out of compassion, but one who is a Christian should try to help women and give them a choice of life,” Chisholm said.
Chisholm disagrees with the idea of the university exposing young college students to abortion. She feels as if the mental and emotional distress a woman goes through post-abortion is being overlooked.
“Strong women have their babies, but after an abortion, the woman is weakened,” Chisholm said.
Laura Duran, who is also a board member of Pro-Life Mississippi and a sidewalk counselor, was not pleased with Parker’s presence on campus. She said Parker’s procedures are not healthy for women and encourages women to seek help at various crisis centers in the state.
“We are broken-hearted that a public institution would let this man come to speak to our children,” Duran said.
Students were also in attendance at the rally. Many were interested in hearing opinions of both pro-life and pro-choice demonstrators. A member of the Catholic Campus ministry, Jennifer Darce, a senior psychology major, said she did not completely agree with Parker, but she was interested in hearing his stance on the issue.
“When we listen to each other, we can come to an understanding and live a little bit more harmoniously,” Darce said.