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Operation Rescue also has publicized a number of allegedly "botched" abortions<ref>[http://www.justiceforchristin.com/ Justice For Christin]</ref> at Tiller’s Women’s Health Care Services, including the death of Christin A. Gilbert following a [[third-trimester abortion]].<ref>[http://www.justiceforchristin.com/christin.htm]</ref> Operation Rescue staff have also investigated and made allegations<ref>[http://www.operationrescue.org/archives/illegal-fetal-age-deception-scheme-uncovered-at-tiller%E2%80%99s-abortion-clinic/ Illegal Fetal Age Deception Scheme Uncovered At Tiller’s Abortion Clinic], OperationRescue.org</ref> regarding other facilities around the country.<ref>[http://www.operationrescue.org/background-history-of-the-notorious-clinic-medica-para-la-mujer-de-hoy-abortion-chain/ Background: History Of The Notorious Clinic Medica Para La Mujer De Hoy Abortion Chain]</ref><ref>[http://www.operationrescue.org/archives/pro-life-whistleblower-is-billed-1100-abortionist-hodari-fined-nothing/ Pro-life Whistleblower Is Billed $1,100, Abortionist Hodari Fined Nothing For Illegal Dumping], OperationRescue.org</ref> Dr. Tiller was cleared of any charges of medical neglect in the death of Christin Gilbert.
Operation Rescue also has publicized a number of allegedly "botched" abortions<ref>[http://www.justiceforchristin.com/ Justice For Christin]</ref> at Tiller’s Women’s Health Care Services, including the death of Christin A. Gilbert following a [[third-trimester abortion]].<ref>[http://www.justiceforchristin.com/christin.htm]</ref> Operation Rescue staff have also investigated and made allegations<ref>[http://www.operationrescue.org/archives/illegal-fetal-age-deception-scheme-uncovered-at-tiller%E2%80%99s-abortion-clinic/ Illegal Fetal Age Deception Scheme Uncovered At Tiller’s Abortion Clinic], OperationRescue.org</ref> regarding other facilities around the country.<ref>[http://www.operationrescue.org/background-history-of-the-notorious-clinic-medica-para-la-mujer-de-hoy-abortion-chain/ Background: History Of The Notorious Clinic Medica Para La Mujer De Hoy Abortion Chain]</ref><ref>[http://www.operationrescue.org/archives/pro-life-whistleblower-is-billed-1100-abortionist-hodari-fined-nothing/ Pro-life Whistleblower Is Billed $1,100, Abortionist Hodari Fined Nothing For Illegal Dumping], OperationRescue.org</ref> Dr. Tiller was cleared of any charges of medical neglect in the death of Christin Gilbert.


In [[September 2006]], Newman and pro-life activist Keith Mason showed up at an open-air gubernatorial debate dressed as cockroaches, protesting alleged unsanitary conditions at Tiller's clinic. Democratic State Rep. Vaughn Flora (Topeka) recognized Newman, tore his mask off, and was arrested for [[battery (crime)|battery]]. Flora was fined $100 in return for a [[nolo]] plea. Newman later launched a $75,000 lawsuit against Flora which was dismissed as frivolous. As of [[September 8]], [[2006]], Youth Ministries Inc. d/b/a/ Operation RescueOperation Rescue had its [[501(c)(3)]] status revoked by the [[IRS]], following charges of improper use of contributions, and illegal endorsements of political candidates.<ref>[http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=141466,00.html Internal Revenue Service Recent Revocations of 501(c)(3) Determinations, Last Updated: August 31, 2007]</ref>
In [[September 2006]], Newman and anti-abortion activist Keith Mason showed up at an open-air gubernatorial debate dressed as cockroaches, protesting alleged unsanitary conditions at Tiller's clinic. Democratic State Rep. Vaughn Flora (Topeka) recognized Newman, tore his mask off, and was arrested for [[battery (crime)|battery]]. Flora was fined $100 in return for a [[nolo]] plea. Newman later launched a $75,000 lawsuit against Flora which was dismissed as frivolous. As of [[September 8]], [[2006]], Youth Ministries Inc. d/b/a/ Operation RescueOperation Rescue had its [[501(c)(3)]] status revoked by the [[IRS]], following charges of improper use of contributions, and illegal endorsements of political candidates.<ref>[http://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=141466,00.html Internal Revenue Service Recent Revocations of 501(c)(3) Determinations, Last Updated: August 31, 2007]</ref>


Operation Rescue also worked to mobilize support in the [[Kansas Legislature|Kansas State Legislature]] to order the newly-elected [[State Attorney General|Attorney General]], [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] [[Paul Morrison]], to reinstate misdemeanor charges that were dismissed on jurisdictional grounds against Dr. Tiller. The group planned a rally in front of the offices of ADA Nora Foulston, to present evidence of [[mass murder]] against Tiller.
Operation Rescue also worked to mobilize support in the [[Kansas Legislature|Kansas State Legislature]] to order the newly-elected [[State Attorney General|Attorney General]], [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] [[Paul Morrison]], to reinstate misdemeanor charges that were dismissed on jurisdictional grounds against Dr. Tiller. The group planned a rally in front of the offices of ADA Nora Foulston, to present evidence of [[mass murder]] against Tiller.

Revision as of 15:33, 10 June 2009

See also: History of Operation Rescue and Operation Save America

Operation Rescue (formerly Operation Rescue West or California Operation Rescue) is a anti-abortion organization which originated in California and is now based in Kansas.

Operation Rescue West was founded by Operation Rescue's tactical director, Jeff White, as a branch of Randall Terry's original Operation Rescue organization. Under Jeff White, Operation Rescue West stayed true to the original intent of the Operation Rescue organization, maintaining its focus on abortion. White stepped down in 1999 following an $880,000 judgment against his organization for harassment and intimidation of Planned Parenthood staff and handed the organization over to the leadership of Troy Newman. In 2002, Newman moved the headquarters to Wichita, Kansas,[1][2][3] to focus its efforts on George Tiller.

Activities

After the FACE (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances)[4][5] bill was signed into law by then-president Bill Clinton, Operation Rescue West implemented new tactics that did not involve arrest, and was successful at closing nearly two dozen abortion clinics in Southern California over a ten-year period.[citation needed]

Operation Rescue operates a fleet of what it refers to as “Truth Trucks”, large panel vehicles that bear images of what the group claims to be aborted fetuses.[6] These “Truth Trucks” travel around the nation showing what Operation Rescue describes as “grisly truth about abortion.” Such images are often criticized as intentionally shocking and insensitive given how sensitive an issue abortion often is. The group claims to have contributed to a 16% drop in abortions in Kansas over a three year period, however this is not substantiated by any data.[1]

Lawsuit over use of name

Randall Terry filed a lawsuit against Troy Newman in 2008, alleging misuse of the name "Operation Rescue." Former Rescue leaders, including Keith Tucci (director), Patrick Mahoney (media director), Jeff White (tactical director) have signed a statement in support of Newman. “We now feel compelled to speak up because Randall’s actions are hurting the work of Troy Newman and Operation Rescue in their efforts to see George Tiller end his barbaric abortion practices in Wichita, Kansas. Additionally, we can no longer remain silent while Mr. Terry continues to fleece unsuspecting pro-life people out of hundreds of thousands of dollars for his personal and selfish gain.”[7]

George Tiller

Efforts against Tiller

In June 2006, Operation Rescue bought the building that housed Wichita's smaller abortion clinic, Central Women's Services (also previously known as Wichita Family Planning), after the business had been purchased by Dr. George Tiller.

Operation Rescue also has publicized a number of allegedly "botched" abortions[8] at Tiller’s Women’s Health Care Services, including the death of Christin A. Gilbert following a third-trimester abortion.[9] Operation Rescue staff have also investigated and made allegations[10] regarding other facilities around the country.[11][12] Dr. Tiller was cleared of any charges of medical neglect in the death of Christin Gilbert.

In September 2006, Newman and anti-abortion activist Keith Mason showed up at an open-air gubernatorial debate dressed as cockroaches, protesting alleged unsanitary conditions at Tiller's clinic. Democratic State Rep. Vaughn Flora (Topeka) recognized Newman, tore his mask off, and was arrested for battery. Flora was fined $100 in return for a nolo plea. Newman later launched a $75,000 lawsuit against Flora which was dismissed as frivolous. As of September 8, 2006, Youth Ministries Inc. d/b/a/ Operation RescueOperation Rescue had its 501(c)(3) status revoked by the IRS, following charges of improper use of contributions, and illegal endorsements of political candidates.[13]

Operation Rescue also worked to mobilize support in the Kansas State Legislature to order the newly-elected Attorney General, Democrat Paul Morrison, to reinstate misdemeanor charges that were dismissed on jurisdictional grounds against Dr. Tiller. The group planned a rally in front of the offices of ADA Nora Foulston, to present evidence of mass murder against Tiller.

Response to Tiller's murder

On May 31, 2009, Dr. George Tiller was assassinated in his church. Police have arrested Scott Roeder of Merriam, KS in connection with the shooting. Operation Rescue denounced Tiller's murder in numerous statements, describing it as "cowardly"[14][15] and "antithetical to what we believe"[16] The group also noted that Roeder had "never been a member, contributor, or volunteer with Operation Rescue."[17]

However, the phone number for Operation Rescue's senior policy advisor, Cheryl Sullenger, was found on the dashboard of Scott Roeder's car[18]. At first Cheryl Sullenger denied any contact with him, saying that her phone number is freely available online. Then, she revised her statements, indicating that she informed Scott Roeder of where Dr Tiller would be at specific times:

"He would call and say, 'When does court start? When’s the next hearing?'" Sullenger said. "I was polite enough to give him the information. I had no reason not to. Who knew? Who knew, you know what I mean?"[19]

Cheryl Sullenger was also convicted in 1988 of attempting to bomb abortion clinics in the San Diego area.[20]

See also

References

Notes

  1. ^ a b Operation Rescue buys abortion clinic
  2. ^ Notorious Child Killers George Tiller & LeRoy Carhart Team Up to Celebrate 29 Years of Killing God's Children in Wichita - Three Press Releases, OSA website
  3. ^ History of Operation Rescue, OperationRescue.org
  4. ^ Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, National Abortion Federation
  5. ^ FREEDOM OF ACCESS TO CLINIC ENTRANCES ACT, Library of Congress
  6. ^ Protesters Who Push Limits, Los Angeles Times, Feb 17, 2004
  7. ^ Three Statements Concerning Randall Terry’s Unbiblical Lawsuit Against Troy Newman, OperationRescue.org
  8. ^ Justice For Christin
  9. ^ [1]
  10. ^ Illegal Fetal Age Deception Scheme Uncovered At Tiller’s Abortion Clinic, OperationRescue.org
  11. ^ Background: History Of The Notorious Clinic Medica Para La Mujer De Hoy Abortion Chain
  12. ^ Pro-life Whistleblower Is Billed $1,100, Abortionist Hodari Fined Nothing For Illegal Dumping, OperationRescue.org
  13. ^ Internal Revenue Service Recent Revocations of 501(c)(3) Determinations, Last Updated: August 31, 2007
  14. ^ Operation Rescue Denounces The Killing of Abortionist Tiller
  15. ^ US abortion doctor is shot dead, BBC, 2009-06-01, retrieved 2009-06-01
  16. ^ Monica Davey and Joe Stumpe (2009-05-31), Doctor Who Performed Abortions Is Shot to Death, New York Times, retrieved 2009-05-31
  17. ^ Operation Rescue Statement Regarding Suspect In Tiller Killing
  18. ^ Phone number found inside car of man suspected of killing George Tiller belongs to woman who plotted 1988 clinic bombing, Pitch, 2009-06-01, retrieved 2009-06-03
  19. ^ Operation Rescue adviser helped Tiller suspect track doctor's court dates, McClatchy, 2009-06-03, retrieved 2009-06-03
  20. ^ The New Republic: The Matter With Kansas, NPR, 2009-06-02, retrieved 2009-06-03

Sources

  • Operation Rescue: A Challenge to the Nation's Conscience by Philip F. Lawler (1992) ISBN 0-87973-506-6
  • Live From the Gates of Hell: An Insider's Look at the Antiabortion Underground by Jerry Reiter (2000) ISBN 1-57392-840-2
  • "METRO DATELINES; Anti-Abortion Group Will Close Its Offices", The New York Times, December 17, 1990
  • New York Times Sept 15, 2006 "Anti-Abortion Group Loses Tax Exemption" by Stephanie Strom
  • Man's views change radically
  • Jim Risen & Judy L. Thomas, Wrath of Angels: The American Abortion War (1998) 2001
  • Critique of Operation Rescue
  • Clinics Prepare for Operation Rescue 1993
  • CourtTV
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