UCF Students March Against Abortion in Campus Protest

Anti-abortion group holds rally and march to raise awareness on divisive issue

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:19pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting of a crowd of protesters marching, their figures repeated in overlapping, fractured geometric shapes in warm, vibrant colors, capturing the energy and divisiveness of the ongoing debate around abortion rights.A colorful, avant-garde depiction of the passionate debate around abortion rights that continues to unfold on college campuses across the country.Today in Orlando

On April 15th, the UCF Students for Life of America (SFLA) chapter hosted an anti-abortion protest on campus, with students marching from the Student Union patio to Memory Mall before tabling for the afternoon. The peaceful event featured speeches from organizers and personal testimonies from participants about why the issue is important to them, though there were no counterprotesters present.

Why it matters

The abortion debate remains a deeply divisive issue in the U.S., with strong views on both sides. This protest reflects the ongoing conversation around the topic on college campuses, where students are grappling with their personal perspectives and the broader societal implications.

The details

The SFLA protest began with a speech from the group's president, Jasmine Stewart, who asked participants to conduct themselves appropriately before the march. Students then walked across campus, chanting slogans and playing Christian worship music. Organizers said the goal was to spread awareness and advocate for protecting unborn children. After the march, students set up a tabling area to continue the conversation.

  • The protest took place on April 15th, 2026 around noon.
  • SFLA plans to return in the fall with more events to raise awareness.

The players

Jasmine Stewart

The president of the UCF Students for Life of America (SFLA) chapter who gave a speech to kick off the protest.

Avery Witt

A third-year student who cited personal experiences with unplanned pregnancies as a reason for participating in the protest.

David Brandt

The second-year president of Young Americans for Freedom who joined the protest after hearing a moving personal story about someone who was almost aborted.

Ashlyn Riley

A third-year student who emphasized the importance of community support for both the mother and child in the pro-life perspective.

Matthew Lloyd

A second-year student who described the campus as politically divided on the abortion issue based on his experience debating the topic.

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What they’re saying

“What we are talking about is the mass death of real human beings. If what we're saying about abortion is true, we're talking the largest genocide our world has ever seen.”

— Jasmine Stewart, President, UCF Students for Life of America

“I've known a few people in my life who have gotten pregnant under unfair circumstances... Both times, they have kept their baby and loved that baby.”

— Avery Witt, Third-year student

“I know a person who was supposed to be aborted, and his story is very moving, and ever since hearing it, I've felt the need to take a stand and be part of a movement that supports life for all children.”

— David Brandt, President, Young Americans for Freedom

“Both caring for the baby, no matter how small... and also caring for the baby once they are born... Everybody needs the village, and I feel like that's what people struggle with when they find out they're pregnant.”

— Ashlyn Riley, Third-year student

“In my experience in debating people on this campus, there isn't a very strong consensus on pro-abortion or pro-life...”

— Matthew Lloyd, Second-year student

What’s next

SFLA plans to return in the fall with more events and meetings to continue raising awareness on the abortion issue.

The takeaway

This protest highlights the ongoing debate around abortion on college campuses, where students are grappling with personal experiences, moral convictions, and the broader societal implications of this divisive issue. The event reflects the deep divisions that exist, even within a single university community.