Both Sides Of Abortion Fight Turn Out In Force At Planned Parenthood Clinics Across Country
Activists in the anti-abortion movement set up rallies at Planned Parenthood clinics for the weekend, but they were met with counter-protesters who came out to support the organization.
The Associated Press:
Anti-Abortion Activists, Counter-Protesters Rally Around US
Anti-abortion activists emboldened by the new administration of President Donald Trump staged rallies around the country Saturday calling for the federal government to cut off payments to Planned Parenthood, but in some cities counter-protests dwarfed the demonstrations. Thousands of Planned Parenthood supporters, many wearing the pointy-eared pink hats popularized by last month's women's marches, turned out for a rally in St. Paul, Minnesota, separated by barricades from an anti-abortion crowd of a couple hundred people. In Detroit, about 300 people turned up outside a Planned Parenthood office, most of them supporting the organization. In St. Louis, thousands marched, many carrying pink signs that read, "I stand with Planned Parenthood." (2/11)
Reuters:
Calls For Protests For And Against Planned Parenthood
Anti-abortion groups called for demonstrations at more than 200 Planned Parenthood locations throughout the United States on Saturday to urge Congress and President Trump to strip the women’s health provider of federal funding. Supporters of Planned Parenthood in turn organized 150 counterdemonstrations outside politicians’ offices and government buildings. (2/11)
Arizona Republic:
Rallies For And Against Abortion Rights At Planned Parenthood In Glendale Close Clinic For The Day
A rally in Glendale on Sunday morning calling for the defunding of Planned Parenthood drew counterprotesters in support of the organization as well as shut down the clinic for the day. Messages and drawings in chalk were scattered across the sidewalk where hundreds of activists on both sides of the divisive issue stood outside in a light rain near 57th Drive and Eugie Avenue as they took their stances in a peaceful faceoff. (Jeong, 2/12)
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel:
Protesters Seek End To Planned Parenthood Funding
With a new grandchild in her family, Becky Sanfelippo said Saturday that she decided to join her first public protest, holding a "Moms for Life" sign and standing with around 70 people gathered outside the Planned Parenthood health center on S. 108th St... The rally was led by Pro-Life Wisconsin and was among more than 200 demonstrations at Planned Parenthood locations across the country. Emboldened by the election of President Donald Trump, who vowed during his campaign to take away federal funding for Planned Parenthood, activists are trying to prod Congress to make good on the promise. (Glauber, 2/11)
San Jose Mercury News:
Thousands Rally To Support Planned Parenthood, Women's Rights
As part of a thunderous response to anti-abortion groups targeting Planned Parenthood locations nationwide, thousands of abortion rights demonstrators lined The Alameda on Saturday, rallying in support of the nonprofit that provides abortions and other medical services to women throughout the United States. Wearing many shades of pink and holding posters that read “Stand with Planned Parenthood” and “Keep your religion off my body,” the crowd of about 4,000 people focused on the decades-long debate over whether women should be allowed to decide whether to terminate their pregnancies. (Sanchez, 2/11)
San Francisco Chronicle:
Nationwide Planned Parenthood Protests Energize Patients, Opponents
[Damien] Cox is among those voicing support for the nonprofit reproductive health organization at what could be a critical moment in its history. President Trump and his administration have threatened to eliminate federal funding for Planned Parenthood, because the services provided by the clinics include abortions. On Saturday, the debate will crest with nationwide rallies — including at clinics in San Francisco, Redwood City and Napa — calling for the “defunding” of Planned Parenthood. (Ravani, 2/10)
Health News Florida:
Protests Spark Over Planned Parenthood And Abortion
Around the country, thousands of anti-abortion advocates protested at Planned Parenthood facilities, calling for an end to abortion and any government funding for the non-profit. Locally, there were protests in Tampa, Sarasota and St. Petersburg. Porter, who's in her fifties, said she had three abortions in her twenties. At least one was performed at Planned Parenthood, she said. (Walters, 2/13)
WBUR:
Protests Against Planned Parenthood Rouse Dueling Rallies Nationwide
Anti-abortion rights protesters gathered outside Planned Parenthood clinics across the country Saturday, in a series of rallies calling on politicians to end federal funding for the century-old organization. The activists planned to picket outside roughly 200 Planned Parenthood clinics — but at many of those locations, counterprotesters were there to meet them. The group #ProtestPP, which organized the rallies, says demonstrations have been planned in at least 45 states, according to ABC News. (Dwyer, 2/11)
CQ Roll Call:
Some Republicans Fear A Backlash From Defunding Planned Parenthood
Republicans for years have attempted to strip all federal funds from Planned Parenthood, and the time has come when it might actually happen. The women’s health organization would lose millions of dollars annually in Medicaid reimbursements and family planning grants if Republican plans succeed. The defunding is embedded in a legislative package that also would repeal large portions of the health care law and is set for fast-track consideration by Congress. With President Donald Trump in the White House and ready to sign, it’s likely the bill could become law. (Shutt, 2/13)
