Being the Change I Wish to See

Terrorism of any kind is unacceptable and those taking part in it should be subject to investigation, arrest and punishment to the full extent of the law.

There are two factions of the pro-life movement: legitimate, peaceful, pro-life activists and advocates who take part in the honest debate about abortion, and the anti-abortion anti-choice faction who incite and participate in crimes and violence.

This article is not directed toward the legitimate pro-life movement. Those who take part in honest debate about this important and volatile issue should be encouraged to continue the conversation.

This article is directed at the second group, the ones who condone violence and crime to impose their anti-choice ideals on others against federal law and in violation of their civil rights.

Anti-abortion extremist, Scott Roeder, is being named a hero in the anti-abortion movement, and the death of Dr. George Tiller is being celebrated by these people. They believe murder and destruction of abortion facilities are the only way to stop abortions. They have decided there is no legal way to change the law, so they resort to vigilantism and violence.

They also believe that they should have the right to impose their beliefs on private family matters that belong between a woman, her family, and her doctors and other health care providers.

No one likes the fact that abortion is a necessary medical procedure. If we could end unwanted pregnancies and have the technology to successfully protect women’s lives and health during pregnancies that currently lead to abortions, the number of abortions could be significantly reduced. But this isn’t the reality with which we currently live.

There is no black and white on the abortion issue. It is a complex issue full of gray areas. The anti-abortion movement would have you believe it is a simple black or white choice. Nothing could be further from the truth.

A woman may need to seek a late pregnancy abortion because continuation of the pregnancy is threatening her life or may harm her health permanently. What if that woman has a husband and other children? Is it realistic to risk her life when it is so important to her living family? It isn’t our choice or any of our business. It belongs within that family to make the choice that is best for them.

Interview with Vicki Saporta, National Abortion Federation President:

Anti-abortion extremists target abortion providers and they are a well-organized movement according to the National Abortion Federation. Operation Rescue, The Lambs of Christ, The Army of God, and many more organizations mobilize violent protests, use inflammatory language and set the environment for those who are willing to commit vandalism, bombings, shootings, and murders.

Even the constant silent vigils held outside of abortion clinics, although non-violent, are designed to harass and intimidate doctors, providers and patients. They overstep the bounds of freedom of speech and assembly. Their purpose is not to lobby the government to change the law.

Scott Roeder was one of the people ignored by the FBI when he vandalized an abortion clinic several times over several years and directly before he allegedly murdered Dr. George Tiller. He had a history of violence against abortion clinics starting in 1996. He was known by clinic staff and found on security tapes while gluing the doors of the clinic shut.

Why did the FBI continue to allow Scott Roeder to vandalize abortion clinics in clear violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) act of 1993 and not arrest him? Good question.

Violation of the FACE act is a federal crime. A first offense is punishable by 6 months in federal prison. A second offense is punishable by 18 months in federal prison. The Clinton Administration Justice Department actively enforced the FACE act. The Bush Administration Justice Department nearly stopped enforcing the law entirely. Extremely few prosecutions occurred and arrests that should have been made were never made over the past 8 years.

Why wasn’t Roeder on the FBI’s radar? How did this guy fall through the cracks? What can be done to reduce or eliminate these crimes without giving up our civil liberties?

Enforcing the current law would go a long way in stopping those who commit smaller crimes from going on to commit more violent crimes, such as attempted murder and murder. Those who are involved in the legitimate pro-life movement could also take it upon themselves to turn in those they know who are planning to commit or have committed crimes against abortion clinics before they commit more severe crimes. It would be in their best interest to stop this fringe anti-choice movement from being associated with their legitimate advocacy.

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