And this is what scares me... Anti-Abortion Extremists

[FireIsCatching89]

http://jezebel.com/5839613/anti+choice- ... dle-school

Here's more proof that anti-abortion activists don't care so much about innocent children once they're out of the womb. Last week protesters who've been campaigning to shut down a clinic in Germantown, Maryland picketed outside a middle school because the landlord's daughter is a student there.

Dr. LeRoy Carhart, one of the few doctors who performs late-term abortions, has been one of pro-lifers' main targets since the murder of Dr. George Tiller. Earlier this summer, anti-abortion groups held a week-long protest outside the clinic, but now they've shifted their focus to the man who owns the property where the clinic is located. That's how a group of protesters wound up outside Robert Frost Middle School in Rockville last Thursday during back-to-school night. The Washington Post reports:

The student's father, who did not want to be named to protect the safety of his daughter, a sixth-grader at the school, said he saw the five protesters when he went to the school event.

Some held a large banner that showed his photo, his full name, his phone number and the words "Please STOP the Child Killing." Others held posters showing aborted fetuses.

There were also two protesters holding anti-abortion posters near the building's entrance on August 29, the first day of school. The protesters weren't actually on school propety and didn't break any laws, so police couldn't do much.

Jack Ames, director of the group Defend Life, says they organized the protest at the school because it was a "very good public venue." The protests outside the clinic aren't as noticable because it's located inside an office park. As an added bonus, demonstrating outside the school sends a message to the landlord that anti-abortion nutjobs are watching him and his family. Though only the landlord's personal information was on the signs, his daughter and son, who's a freshman at the high school, use their father's last name. He told the Post:

"It's horribly outrageous that they're going out in front of a middle school. It is way crossing the line. I very much respect the right of the protesters to do so in front of the clinic, or the steps of Capitol Hill, or the courthouse. But in front of a middle school is really not an appropriate place to do anything except protest for better teacher wages or the school budget ... The idea that a group of protesters would target a school because the child of someone they are targeting attends the school . . . is fairly despicable."

Ames claims that the landlord's father operated an abortion clinic that was firebombed in the '80s, which just makes it more impressive that he's standing up tho the protesters and enlisting the help of volunteers to respond to everyone who's called or emailed him. Now that he has the protesters' contact info, he could dig up their home addresses and start pestering their kids. Yet oddly enough, the "monster" behind the clinic wouldn't stoop to harassing and freighting children.

This terrifies me, because my mother is the lawyer for a women's clinic in my hometown. It's one of three clinics in the state, and its the one that always gets protesters because it's right up on the street and doesn't have the money for enhanced security (it serves mostly working class women who recieve some sort of government aid in their lives and sometimes don't speak English). Additionally, this clinic was targeted by by a man who has been convicted of assasinating an abortion provider; the day before he committed the murder he superglued all the clinic's locks shut.

My mother is a fairly public figure in certain circles in our community, and there are people out there who do actually hate her for her work. She hasn't received threats yet, but I did find her name and office location on a pro-life website recently when I googled her; they had collected articles about the recent struggle to keep my home state's abortion providers open and legally operating, and my mother is mentioned, and quoted in nearly all of them.

My mom assures me that she is safe, but the fact that pro-lifers are now resorting to what's called "tertiary terror," or harrassing and targeting not those who perform abortions, but those who do business who perform abortions, scares the ever-loving SHIT out of me. My mom once mentioned how happy she was that my brother and I both no longer reside at home (him permanently; me, eight months out of the year) and use only our fathers' name (she kept hers when she married, and while we have both of their surnames as part of our legal names, they don't show up anywhere other than on our passports), because she has concerns about our safety, or really my safety, since I'm younger and still come home for frequent, and sometimes lengthy, breaks. She's worried that someone will target us, but since there's little that connects me to my mother in public records, its unlikely.

It's much more likely that my mom will be targeted for her work with this clinic, if they decide to use tertiary terror; or for her other cases (stuff like police corruption). My mother says they've never gone after clinics' lawyers before, but there's a first time for everything, and just...there are a lot of whackdoodles out there. My mother is my best friend and role model and just means the world to me, and anything happening to her is my worst nightmare. Even thinking about this is making my stomach churn.

God, I don't know how much I gave away about my identity or hers here, but I just needed to let it out in a place where my name isn't attatched to anything. Hopefully pro-life whackdoodles aren't adept at googling.

[Hane]

All I can say is (((hugs))) to you and your family, and kudos to your mom for her bravery.

[Buzzard]

These people are just sick. Other than getting attention, how does this help their "cause?" How about they work on counseling the children while theyre young and providing free birth control to slow the pace of abortion? Fuckers...

[Guest Anonymous]

Thank your Mother for me. I'll keep you and your family in the light.

[Bella99]

No words of wisdom, just wishes for your and your mother's safety. Pursuing the landlord's children shows they have no conscience.

[demgirl]

I actually understand this fear. My mom is a nurse and she worked at a woman's clinic, where abortions were performed, for several years. I was young and she's in a totally different type of medical field now, but even as a little kid I knew enough to know that when she stood in front of clinic doors with protesters fighting to get in, she could have been hurt or killed. It's absolutely terrifying, I know. But our mothers sound the same -- the type of people who have to do what they believe is right, even in the face of danger.

In all likelihood your mother will be fine. The truly scary pro-lifers that believe murder is the answer tend to want higher profile targets, like the doctors who actually perform the abortions. But of course there is always a risk and I know how proud and terrified you must be at the same time.

There are aspects of the First Amendment that I find awe inspiring and generally its protections are one of the things I admire most about America's government and constitution. But sometimes I wonder if Europe doesn't have it right -- a good amount of protection for speech, but the ability to protect people at the same time, such as limiting the ability to disseminate the names of abortion providers.

[Trynn]

So, let me get this straight. In order to protect children who haven't been born yet, they're going after one who's already been alive for 12-14 years? Where the heck's the logic in that?!

[Austin]

FIC89, please thank your mother for me.

Do you by chance happen to live in Kansas? I just ask because I heard Kansas was down to three clincs. No need to disclose if you don't want to.

[FireIsCatching89]

Thank you so much for the support, guys. I know that the chances of anything happening to my mother are very slim, but the fact is, being associated with abortion providers is serious, and sometimes dangerous, business. I feel especially uneasy because I am not with my mom right now (I attend college in another state), and it's harder to lend support from afar. She's a very brave woman, and, for lack of a better word, intimidating, at times, though at this point, I think that's a good thing. The reason I worry is that she's already a very prominent lawyer, and this has only increased her profile, and if something did happen to her, you can bet it would shake the legal community and make it harder for these clinics to get the legal help they need.

I'd prefer not to talk about my home state simply for safety reasons, and also for the fact that my dad is a state-elected judicial official, and, since my parents are still married and I have his name, someone can easily associate my dad with me, and by extension with my mother, putting both of them under scrutiny. All I will say is that I live in the Midwest. My brother lives in a small suburb on the West Coast, so he's far enough away that he's out of any sort of limelight.

Hey Randall Terry, and others of your sick ilk, this time it's personal.

[Austin]

I'd prefer not to talk about my home state simply for safety reasons, and also for the fact that my dad is a state-elected judicial official, and, since my parents are still married and I have his name, someone can easily associate my dad with me, and by extension with my mother, putting both of them under scrutiny. All I will say is that I live in the Midwest. My brother lives in a small suburb on the West Coast, so he's far enough away that he's out of any sort of limelight.

Gotcha. Many good thoughts for your mom's safety.

[titus2_4u]

This is terrifying. :-(

[Burris]

The child of a landlord that rents space to a women's clinic? Wow - when anti-choicers reach the bottom of the barrel, some of them just keep on digging.

I actually support their freedom to protest more or less wherever they want, but I think they should be barred from posting names and home addresses on sites that have been created to attract terrorists, or acting in a manner designed to put pressure on on a minor child for the activities of his parents. I hope both are legally actionable. If not, then I hope some counter-protesters start showing up to drown out the crazy.

[deelaem]

The anti-choice people are perfectly capable of sinking as low as it can go. They have the mindset of the crazy PETA people, "by any means necessary". They have no regard for anything beyond their obsession. And that's what it is when they reach this point, an obsession. They are true fanatics, so caution must always be used when dealing with them. This would be a good case for an ambitious lawyer to take on.

[Kelsey]

Are abortion clinics the only place available to receive an abortion at?

In other words, if you have health insurance, and had an ectopic pregnancy or were raped (or wanted an abortion for any other reason), could you see your normal private doctor?

I've never needed this type of care nor been involved in any advocacy so I am unsure. I know that at my fertility treatment center I've seen abortion (and selective reduction) on the list of possible diagnosis codes so I assuming they would provide the service to their patients.

I realize it would be the private doctors choice to provide/not provide but I guess what I'm really asking is are there many that will provide or does everyone needing an abortion go to PP?

FTR, I am pro-choice for any reason.

[Kitty]

Pro-lifers don't give a flying fuck about children. They only care about themselves.

[Terrie]

So, now they're taking a page from the play book of animal rights nuts? (Note: If you're involved in animal rights and not a nut, you're not included in that description). I suspect it will work about as well for pro-lifers as it does for animal rights types. It just shows people how extreme they are.

[ADoyle90815]

Pro-lifers don't give a flying fuck about children. They only care about themselves.

That's true, in fact someone on another board I'm on said on a thread about the last Republican debate that pro-lifers only care about the fetus, but once it's born, they're fine with "letting it die a horrible death from a lack of healthcare." After all, those aren't just against universal healthcare, but things like Medicare.

[slickcat79]

Are abortion clinics the only place available to receive an abortion at?

In other words, if you have health insurance, and had an ectopic pregnancy or were raped (or wanted an abortion for any other reason), could you see your normal private doctor?

I've never needed this type of care nor been involved in any advocacy so I am unsure. I know that at my fertility treatment center I've seen abortion (and selective reduction) on the list of possible diagnosis codes so I assuming they would provide the service to their patients.

I realize it would be the private doctors choice to provide/not provide but I guess what I'm really asking is are there many that will provide or does everyone needing an abortion go to PP?

FTR, I am pro-choice for any reason.

No, you can have abortions performed at other locations besides an abortion clinic. Actually, I think there are very few locations that only perform abortions and don't offer any other services. There's no particular reason to go to PP unless you don't have a primary physician, or just prefer it for some other reason.

Whether or not you can receive an abortion at your regular clinic most likely depends on your location and the preferences of your doctors. In states where abortion is highly restricted, you will probably be referred elsewhere. IIRC, Kansas and a few other states only have a couple of clinics in them that will perform abortions. In NC, they will not perform them past 20 weeks for any reason, so if you need a late-term abortion you will be referred to another state (Atlanta is the closest place to go).

[galaxygirl]

Some held a large banner that showed his photo, his full name, his phone number and the words "Please STOP the Child Killing." Others held posters showing aborted fetuses.

I'm a big fan of no killing in general. You know, like shooting doctors.

[gustava]

No, you can have abortions performed at other locations besides an abortion clinic. Actually, I think there are very few locations that only perform abortions and don't offer any other services. There's no particular reason to go to PP unless you don't have a primary physician, or just prefer it for some other reason.

Whether or not you can receive an abortion at your regular clinic most likely depends on your location and the preferences of your doctors. In states where abortion is highly restricted, you will probably be referred elsewhere. IIRC, Kansas and a few other states only have a couple of clinics in them that will perform abortions. In NC, they will not perform them past 20 weeks for any reason, so if you need a late-term abortion you will be referred to another state (Atlanta is the closest place to go).

However, if you're middleclass and have insurance, your physician might well recommend a medically necessary D&C. Choose your primary care physician carefully.

[emmiedahl]

Our hospital in Yakima, WA performs them if there is a medical issue. If you just want an abortion, I think you have to go to PP.

[Rosa]

Fireiscatching, your original post kind of stopped me in my tracks, I know the fear, I've had a lot of friends who worked as clinic escorts or staff, and there's always that little fear in the back of my mind for them.

I don't really have anything to say, just I feel for you.

[NurseNell]

Are abortion clinics the only place available to receive an abortion at?

In other words, if you have health insurance, and had an ectopic pregnancy or were raped (or wanted an abortion for any other reason), could you see your normal private doctor?

An ectopic pregnancy is an emergency, not considered an an abortion, and is treated in a hospital. Abortion clinics are not equipped to handle surgery for an ectopic. The surgery is usually done by your OB/GYN but sometimes a general surgeon.

The answer to your question re if abortions are only done at abortion clinics the answer is no, they are done in hospitals too. If your private doctor has hospital privileges and is licensed to do surgery, and does abortions, then yes, you can go to him or her.

Nell

[NurseNell]

These people are just sick. Other than getting attention, how does this help their "cause?"

As someone who is pro-life this type of activity hurts far more than it helps. Why would you protest at a middle school? Abortion providers' homes and families should be strictly off limits.

I was involved in an estrogen study for a few years and the doctor doing the study was Dr. Mildred Hanson, who is also an abortion provider in MN and she was the only doctor doing abortions in SD. She traveled there a few times a month. During the years I saw her she always wore a bullet proof vest. Her office mail had to be screened for bombs. I felt bad for her and her staff. She was a practicing Lutheran and felt abortion was OK.

As for murdering providers it's absurd to think that is right. Murder is murder.

Nell

[LynnKaboom]

The idea of abortion makes me feel rather sick, but as a libertarian I know I don't have the right to enforce my personal morality on everyone else. It doesn't mean I have to agree with what you do, but I acknowledge that you have the right to do it as long as you're not infringing on anyone else's rights. Likewise, you have the right to do what you please as long as it doesn't infringe on anyone else's rights, and if that includes non-violently protesting abortion clinics, then fine. It's not personally how I would choose to spend my time, but we do have freedom of speech and freedom of assembly, rights that I find to be incredibly important to uphold. It goes opposite, too- you have the right to speak about how good abortion is and you can hold counter-protests if that's what you want to do. Freedom of speech and assembly.

HOWEVER- harassing middle school students because of who their parents are is in diametric opposition to everything I believe. That's when you get into the "you've crossed the line and you're infringing on someone else's rights"- namely, the right of that child to form their own lives, separate from that of their parents, as well as the right to safety (by connecting the child to the parent and waving around their home address, that violates the principle."

Also, just saying- anyone who would kill a doctor kind of sucks at being pro-life.