Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, January 5, 1995 TAG: 9501050059
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: SANDRA BROWN KELLY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
The Roanoke Medical Center for Women on Second Street Southwest regularly performs abortions on Wednesdays. This week, a Roanoke police officer was at the center, not as a guard but to make suggestions on how the staff can increase protection against intruders.
Two slayings last week at Massachusetts abortion clinics have raised anxiety among employees at similar facilities, said Mary Nottingham, director of the Roanoke center.
A 22-year-old student hairdresser from Hampton, N.H., has been charged in the deaths of office workers at two Brookline, Mass., clinics Friday and with firing 23 bullets into a clinic in Norfolk on Saturday. He is in jail in Norfolk.
Employees at the Roanoke Medical Center declined to comment on the new violence, and pleaded that the clinic be left alone.
Security was an equal concern at Planned Parenthood of the Blue Ridge on Liberty Road in Northwest Roanoke, even though it does not now perform abortions. One of the Massachusetts clinics was operated by Planned Parenthood; and Kathryn Haynie, executive director of the Roanoke office, said she wasn't taking any chances.
A York, Pa., Planned Parenthood office that also did not do abortions was a target of a recent firebombing, Haynie said.
"We have to take the attitude that we are as much a target as anyplace," she said.
Haynie also met Wednesday with representatives from Roanoke Valley law enforcement groups and the U.S. Marshals Service.
"We have a risk-management plan, but this was an important time to look to see how adequate our security is," Haynie said. "We want to be secure without becoming a fortress."
Friday's slayings have made even anti-abortion activists concerned about safety.
"Somebody had indicated that there were some threats made against us," Louis Patrick said Wednesday as he joined the regular small group of protesters on the sidewalk in front of the Roanoke abortion clinic.
"We think there are crazies on both sides," said Patrick, a Salem resident. "We have no sympathy for people who act like that."
"There's a lot more strength in prayer," said John Clarke, also of Salem. Clarke carried an "Adoption: the Loving Option" sign.
Recent events encouraged new participation in the group, however.
Blaine Keene of Pulaski County joined the protest line while his wife was receiving medical treatment at an office nearby.
"It's my first time, but not my last," he said.
by CNB