Circled around the rock on Farm Lane, about 20 people lit candles and held a moment of silence in memory of the 44 million people they say have lost their lives to abortion. At the base of the pseudo-tombstone sat two candles and red roses.
Katie Wilcox, president of MSU Students for Life, said she was pleased with the attendance even in the cold temperatures.
"It was a very good turnout," the international relations sophomore said. "I was excited to have new people show up in support, but hopefully one day we will not have to commemorate the anniversary because Roe v. Wade will be overturned."
The organization staffed a table at Wells Hall for most of the day Tuesday and posted fliers around campus to promote the vigil.
No-preference sophomore Joe Jonaitis said he thinks more people would have attended if circumstances such as weather and timing were different.
"Considering the weather today, (the low turnout) was expected," he said. "It's also the beginning of the semester, so people are busy. This definitely doesn't show all the support that we have at MSU."
The event comes just days after Right to Life of Michigan launched its statewide petition drive in an effort to gather more than 254,206 signatures. If it achieves its goal within 180 days, the group can send the Legal Definition Birth Act back to the Legislature, where it can be passed with a majority in the House and Senate and enacted into law without the governor's signature.
Gov. Jennifer Granholm vetoed the bill in October after it passed with an overwhelming majority in the Legislature, saying it did not allow for exceptions to save the life of the mother.
The drive's progress will be posted at thepeoplesoverride.com as signatures are gathered.
"It's important that students on campus recognize the problem of abortion, because one-fifth of all abortions occur in college-age women," said Joy Yearout, a political theory and constitutional democracy senior.
Pro-choice students on campus are celebrating the 31st anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the decision that made it unconstitutional for abortion to be illegal in the United States, with events later this week.
The group will host the fourth annual Chocolates for Choice dessert reception from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Beggar's Banquet, 218 Abbott Road. At a reception afterward, Krista Jacob will be the guest speaker. The reception will be held in Gold Rooms A and B in the Union.
Jacob is the editor of "Our Choices, Our Lives: Unapologetic Writings on Abortion" and editor in chief of a journal on feminist sexuality. Tickets to the event are $25.
