THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, January 22, 1995 TAG: 9501200034
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 37 lines
This month marks the 22nd anniversary of Roe vs. Wade. But the month also leaves an indelible mark in the history of escalating violence against abortion providers nationwide.
No one can classify the recent murders in Florida and Massachusetts as ``isolated'' attacks - they are the natural extension of the militant and inflammatory rhetoric of a broader anti-choice political agenda.
Leaders in the anti-choice movement have long sent the message - some through their silence in the face of violence and others through advocating and circulating a field manual on the arming and organizing of a civilian militia - that an acceptable way to stop abortion is through domestic terrorism.
Planned Parenthood of Southeastern Virginia supports the current efforts of federal law-enforcement officials to investigate the activities of militant anti-choice leaders and their efforts to protect the doctors, patients and staff of Hillcrest Clinic and other abortion providers around the state and country. But violence against health-care professionals and the women they serve will stop only when Americans say ``enough.''
Women deserve to receive reproductive-health-care services in an atmosphere of dignity and respect - not one of harassment and fear.
CYNTHIA C. VERHOVEN
Director of public affairs
Planned Parenthood of
Southeastern Virginia
Hampton, Jan. 9, 1995 by CNB