Jamie Manson, president of the pro-abortion group “Catholics for Choice,” was a featured speaker at a pro-abortion event hosted by DePaul University’s Planned Parenthood chapter. The event, organized by Planned Parenthood Generation Action at DePaul University (PPGA), served as a kickoff event for PPGA’s campaign against the university’s ban on contraception distribution on campus, despite DePaul’s Catholic foundation.
At the event, Manson, who openly identifies as a lesbian, argued the Catholic Church “causes harm” by opposing abortion. She argued her Catholic identity and advocacy for abortion rights are intertwined, despite the Church’s fundamental opposition to abortion on religious grounds.
Her appearance was touted by PPGA’s treasurer, Maya Roman, who celebrated Manson’s alignment with the “social justice mission” of institutions like DePaul. Following the event, Manson praised DePaul for inviting her, stating she never thought a Catholic college would welcome a person with her beliefs.
However, DePaul University’s embrace of Manson and PPGA’s campaign has led to criticism from Catholics, given the institution’s history of refusing pro-life activity deemed as “bigotry”, promoting classes that endorse homosexuality, and supporting pro-LGBT activists. The university is located within the Archdiocese of Chicago, under the guidance of Cardinal Blase Cupich.