July 14, 2005
A group of people exercised their first amendment right to free speech today on Route 29.
Abortion is an issue that has sparked heavy debate across the nation on more than one occasion, and Thursday it came full stage right here in Charlottesville.
"With every abortion, there's a baby that's been decapitated with arms and legs pulled from its body, so we're here to show people the reality of abortion," says Protester Danny Green. "Let the victims speak for themselves."
Green is one of several protesters who posted up on Route 29 Thursday in opposition of Planned Parenthood's involvement with abortion.
"Any sane, moral, upright person should oppose people dismembering children, and that's what Planned Parenthood does. They're the number one abortion provider worldwide, and they do this every day of the week around the world," added Green.
Drivers passing by shared mixed reactions. One woman passed the signs on her way to work and took more offense to the people holding the signs than the signs themselves. "If it would've been adults, it would've been fine," says Charlottesville Native Sue Stringfield." I just oppose three young boys holding signs that adults should be holding."
Planned Parenthood officials say they are doing a lot more than holding signs. "Planned Parenthood believes that woman deserve access to all healthcare options, and these people today would want to deny woman access to those options," says Becky Reid, a Planned Parenthood Grassroots Organizer.
"If people really want to reduce the need for abortion, the way to do that is to make sure women, couples, and teens have access and information to contraceptive services, and that's what we do," added Reid.
Planned Parenthood officials said that protests like those that occurred today do little to discourage their efforts.
