Posted on July - 20 - 2011
Large anti-abortion group gathers near Arden Arcade clinic
More than 100 anti-abortion demonstrators gathered Saturday on the sidewalk across from the Women’s Health Specialists clinic at 1750 Wright St. in the Arden Arcade area.
Each demonstrator came holding a yellow balloon with “Life” printed on it, said participant John Johnson, who coordinates the St. Peter’s Young Adults Group in Dixon.
Johnson said a nondenominational grassroots movement has coalesced, bringing a much larger turnout than on previous Saturdays. The demonstrators, he said, are a cross-section of ages and backgrounds.
“The response from young people, in particular, really took off,” Johnson said. “We’re trying to show that the pro-life movement can be mainstream and positive.”
The demonstration began at 9 a.m., Johnson said, and included members of roughly 30 churches. A handful of representatives also came from counseling services and advocacy organizations.
Shauna Heckert, executive director of the clinic, said the demonstration did not affect its operations.
“Those protesters don’t have the power to shut down the clinic,” she said. “We’re here for our women.”
Heckert said she received a tip about the unusually large demonstration two days ago. A supporter called anonymously, Heckert said, because she reportedly took offense to a recruitment invitation she had heard in a sermon.
Even though it was designed as a surprise, the demonstration was publicized in a Facebook message.
Similar Posts:
- Kenya People Dying Because of Lack of Anaesthetics
- Health Clinics At Schools Get A Funding Boost
- ‘How can I burn the most calories?’
- No Shave Novembeard Begins Today
- Doctors need more data to help gays, lesbians: U.S. report
