Clinic protests around the US

[moominmuppet]

From the woman who's organizing the temporary escorts at the Akron clinic that's targeted in our area:

40-days Protests Set to Begin Across the United States

From September 26-November 4 anti-abortion groups will be attempting to hold 24-hour a day, 7-day a week prayer vigils at clinics in cities throughout the United States. Called 40 Days for Life, this event is organized by David Bereit, formerly of the American Life League and based in College Station, Texas. Some clinics may experience an increase in the presence of protesters during this time. For more information and to see if your city is one being targeted you can check out the 40 days website at http://www.40daysforlife.com/about.cfm and click on "locations."

Protests at Newly Constructed Illinois Clinic Continue

A newly constructed Planned Parenthood clinic in Aurora, Illinois has been the target of ongoing protests since its identity as a future Planned Parenthood clinic was discovered by the Pro-Life Action League (PLAL). PLAL's leader Eric Scheidler has organized numerous protests, prayer vigils and "Jericho marches" at the facility, which is scheduled to open in late September. He has also organized opponents to speak in opposition to the clinic at the Aurora City Council.

A new group called Youth for Truth, formed for this purpose, has gathered young people for rallies at the clinic. They have posted video from their protests on MySpace.com. Another group that has been organized to oppose the clinic is called Fox Valley Families Against Planned Parenthood. A local Bishop called for a day of prayer and fasting. Protesters have also threatened to picket the homes of clinic workers.

***If you search Youth for Truth Aurora on youtube.com there are videos of the protests. The myspace is myspace.com/sidewalkcounseling. There are videos and more info there.***

Comments

[marnanel.livejournal.com]

Bizarre. 40days don't have a protest going on in Philly (where PPSP actually do do abortions) but they have one going on in Collegeville (which is only a few miles down the road from us), where PPSP have a branch office (http://ppsp.org/pages/c-collegeville.asp) that just gives out contraception and advice. I wonder why. (Also I wonder about opportunities for subversion.)

[moominmuppet.livejournal.com]

*nod* I'm surprised they're protesting in Akron, but not in Cleveland, especially considering how long-standing and well-known Preterm is.

[mutelorelei.livejournal.com]

Thank you for this info. I see this group will be protesting in Reno. I also wonder if I can get in touch with some kind of local pro-choice group and carry some signs for their side (I haven't lived here that long, so I have no idea what kind of things they've got going on here).

[moominmuppet.livejournal.com]

Glad to share... To track down what's going on locally you might try contacting your local NARAL office, PP office, or calling the clinic itself. Our Akron escorting project is being organized by NARAL Ohio.

[ascian.livejournal.com]

Thanks for posting the info. I went to check it out, and according to the woman to whom I spoke, the Amarillo protest has never gotten any bigger than the two old ladies and one enthusiastic young woman I drove past on the way in. Indeed, I felt as though I was being handled delicately, perhaps even uncomfortably (I was asked to step out of the clinic to talk and left on the doorstep while pamphlets were retrieved for me). I can only guess that the leather vest gave the impression I was some tough who'd come to bust fundamentalist heads. *shrugs*

Anyway, here's hoping my area's protest is indicative of the kind of turn-out this sweeping call to action inspires. If so, it gives me hope for the real values of this country.

[moominmuppet.livejournal.com]

I can only guess that the leather vest gave the impression I was some tough who'd come to bust fundamentalist heads. *shrugs*

*chuckle* Actually, it was probably because you were an unescorted male -- there are enough cases of angry partners and exes showing up at clinics attempting to use various stories to get in the door that they're generally very cautious about anyone who isn't coming in with a patient.

Anyway, here's hoping my area's protest is indicative of the kind of turn-out this sweeping call to action inspires. If so, it gives me hope for the real values of this country.

So far it's sounded like the overall turn-out has been truly underwhelming. I'm thoroughly pleased.