Cat Talk | Page 10

Lauren Murphree by emma magsamen by amanda neumann Lauren Murfree is a badass broad here at IPFW. Last semester she founded IPFW Voices of Choice—a student organization that’s mission is to educate those on campus of the physical autonomy of a woman’s body and take action to spread support for such autonomy on campus, provide a safe and secure environment and support system for women to explore all of their options in terms of pregnancy, offer opportunities for on campus dissemination of healthcare information related to sexual activity and prophylactics (i.e., condoms), and to provide information on the transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infections (STI). She is a dual Anthropology and Psychology major at IPFW. Why did you start VOC? I started VOC because there was a gap in the conversation on campus. This organization was started to help open up that conversation on campus and provide a safe place for discussion. What does being pro-choice mean to you? Pro-choice means to me having the right to chose what happens to your own body (body autonomy). Either if it is adoption, abortion, or keeping the pregnancy. Every woman should have to right to choose what is right for them in their situation. 3.) What has been the student response to VOC? The student response to VOC has been mostly positive, many students have approached us and said “thank you”. I feel like campus is ready for this conversation. 4.) What are your plans for the future of VOC? The plans for VOC is to expand the knowledge of the campus on reproductive issues. We plan to have movie nights, meetings, condom handouts, and panel discussions on women’s issues. -------------------------------------------------------- You can find out more info about Lauren and VOC at facebook.com/IPFWVoicesofchoice by amanda neumann Looking for some local businesses to enjoy and support? Here are a few of my favorites! -Pembroke Bakery-300 East Main Street (in the Auer Center) -delicious vegan, kosher, and gluten free soups, salads, sandwitches, and baked goods! -Sweets So Geek-3410 North Anthony Boulevard -amazing nerdy themed chocolates and baked goods! Plus they sell Keep Fort Wayne Weird merchandice! -Hyde Brothers Booksellers-1428 North Wells Street -cozy, full of books, inhabited by two cats, heaven! -816 Pint & Slice-816 South Calhoun Street -best pizza in the world, probably