USA: ABORTION CLINICS TIGHTEN UP SECURITY
(3 Jan 1995) English/Nat Abortion and family planning clinics across the United States are tightening their security in the wake of the shootings in Massachusetts which left two dead. President Bill Clinton has ordered more protection for the clinics as anti-abortion activists say they will continue their campaign. Clinics like this Planned Parenthood office in Washington D-C are open today but staff know that both they and their patients are at risk from pro-life campaigners. SOUNDBITE: "Well it's not business as usual. I mean...I think there's a tremendous amount of anxiety. But we're open...we're serving patients and we're doing the best we can to make a....secure environment." SUPER CAPTION: Rosann Wisman, President, Planned Parenthood of Washington, DC The struggle between pro-choice and pro-life groups is erupting with violence - right on the doorstep of abortion clinics nationwide. With at least four dead, many more wounded and increasing numbers of staff and patients harassed over the past twelve months security is the number one worry. The debate rages on in Norfolk, Virginia where John Salvi - accused of the attack and murder of two Boston clinic workers - appeared in court today. Outside - pro- abortion campaigners stage a silent vigil for the shooting victims, but pro- lifers are undeterred and continue to back Salvi. SOUNDBITE: "Well I don't consider that violence, I consider that defensive action. The man went in there to save innocent babies being put to death. That's not violence. He went in there as a defender to save the innocent that were being murdered." SUPER CAPTION: Donald Spitz, Anti-Abortion Activist Clinic officials say that kind of defiance only inflames the current violence. SOUNDBITE: "Well, the best news was really when the Cardinal in Boston, over the weekend, called for an end to the kind of protests and hate and harassment. Because, it's that kind of rhetoric I think that has really fueled the sort of deranged mind that a John Salvi has. Unfortunately, the anti-choice movement attracts a disproportionate number of people like that. That's the most important thing that could happen I think to make our staff and patients feel secure...is an end to the kind of hateful rhetoric and harassment that has gone on." SUPER CAPTION: Rosann Wisman, President, Planned Parenthood of Washington, DC President Clinton is now ordering US officials to prepare stronger measures against the threat of violence. He's suggesting that Federal marshals - already on guard at some clinics - should be in place at more clinics across the country. Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter: / ap_archive Facebook: / aparchives Instagram: / apnews You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...
