HotSpots (Security Briefings): April 2007

HotSpots is a summary of incidents of harassment and violence directed at Planned Parenthood affiliates, national offices, and other reproductive health care providers, produced monthly by The Security Group, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Inc.

California  04/26/07  About 15 people protested at a Planned Parenthood health center. 

Texas  04/25/07  A women’s health clinic (National Abortion Federation member) reported a suspicious package in the clinic’s parking lot.  It was determined that the device was an explosive device, a dangerous homemade bomb, which was disabled by the Bomb Squad.  On 04/27/07 Paul Ross Evans, 27, was charged with using a weapon of mass destruction, manufacturing explosive material, and limiting access to clinic entrances.  Evans faces life imprisonment if convicted on these charges.

California  04/18/07  A series of harassing phone calls were made to a Planned Parenthood call center following the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision involving abortion. 

Ohio  04/14/07  A man approached the reception desk at a Planned Parenthood health center and began shouting at an employee, expressing anti-choice views. 

Texas  04/13/07  Two Planned Parenthood health centers received a letter that contained a bizarre, rambling poem, citing the Oklahoma City bombing, various sexual acts, etc.

New York  04/06/07  A Planned Parenthood affiliate had approximately 30 protesters.  Most of the protesters were teens with red tape covering their mouths. 

New Mexico  04/06/07  More than 250 protesters gathered to pray and protest at a Planned Parenthood site. 

Pennsylvania  04/06/07  When staff and patients began to try and enter a Planned Parenthood site, several dozen protesters ran in front of the entrances and blockaded them, telling individuals trying to enter that the health center was closed.  The health center remained open and continued with all scheduled services following the incident.