Violent protests not an issue in Plattsburgh

By Aurora O’Geen
Clad in bright blue “pro-life” tee-shirts while holding home-made “choose life” signs and Bibles, it’s nearly impossible not to notice the anti-abortion protestors outside the Plattsburgh Planned Parenthood. While prayers are repeated in unison, members take it upon themselves to approach passer-bys with pamphlets and information in hopes of influencing a Pro-Life lifestyle.
It is not uncommon to witness protestors outside the local Planned Parenthood on Brinkerhoff Street- in fact; they are there nearly every day. But should patients and employees of Planned Parenthood feel threatened by these protestors?
A recent New York Times article focused on the shooting of an anti-abortion protestor outside a Michigan high school. Such violence seems uncommon in the Plattsburgh area, but one could ask whether protestor, patient, or employee safety is at risk during such protests.
Dr. John Middleton founded the Champlain Valley Right to Life Organization in Plattsburgh, and has been protesting abortions locally and nationwide since the 1970’s.
Dr. Middleton says he has never witnessed extreme violence involving protestors in Plattsburgh. He points out, that although profanity and degrading shouts may be directed towards protestors from time to time; he does not feel as though his personal safety is at risk.
When asked whether or not pro-life member intentions stem from violence, Dr. Middleton replied that members were “trying to stop the violence”. Pointing to his sign, which displays the sonogram of an unborn baby, Dr. Middleton states their goal is simply to “protect the babies”.
Members of the Champlain Valley Right to Life Organization vary in age, nationality, and background. Dr. Middleton points out, that although most members are Christians, the organization is non-denominational and open to anyone. Again, he stressed that the organization does not use violent tactics to promote their pro-life opinions.
Right to Life member Bart Gaffney also claims they are not out to intimidate patients or community members. Instead, it was repeatedly declared that Right to Life members are simply there to pray for those affiliated with Planned Parenthood. Acknowledging the fact that their prayers may not be welcome, Gaffney insists that members are not there to instigate violence, and will continue to promote change through prayer.
On the other end of the story are the Planned Parenthood employees, patients, and volunteers. On days when protests are in action, Planned Parenthood volunteers serve as escorts for those entering and exiting the premises.
Bob Jensen is among the volunteers serving as an escort for patients. Jensen, who points out his size and physical capability, says he personally does not feel threatened when working with the protestors. Jensen, a retired community member of Plattsburgh volunteers as often as he can in order to help patients.
Jensen says he understands that girls are forced to make “terrible decisions” at times, and is trying to ease their anxiety when visiting Planned Parenthood. Pointing to fellow escort volunteers, Jensen says they are there to protect patients and maintain a comfortable environment during a difficult time.
Martha Stahl, director of external affairs for the Plattsburgh location, points out that patient’s safety is a top concern for Planned Parenthood. Employees understand that it is not uncommon for patients to feel uncomfortable when passing protestors. When the escorts aren’t enough to maintain a comfortable atmosphere for the patient, Planned Parenthood offers a private back entrance.
Although Stahl does not believe the local protestors pose an immediate threat to employees or patients, Plattsburgh Police are notified of protests and do patrol the area.
During her time with the Plattsburgh Planned Parenthood, Stahl says she has not personally witnessed any notable violence towards, or from, protestors. This could be because many of the organization members are regulars, and have become familiar to employees.
It does however, become a concern when larger protests are planned, and protestors from surrounding areas make their way towards Plattsburgh. Still, Stahl says she does not feel as though employees or patients are at an immediate risk.
For students who truly feel uncomfortable dealing with the attention from protestors, there are other options. The campus health center at SUNY Plattsburgh provides students with nearly all the same options as Planned Parenthood. Director of Health Education Services, Jerimy Blowers, points out that all services are provided in confidentiality for students at SUNY Plattsburgh. Having had a previous experience with protestors himself, Blowers says he does believe local protestors “push the limits”.
So what are the limits when it comes to protestors? Members are required by law, not to step on private property. Therefore, most protestors stand between the street and the sidewalk. With such tight corners, many times Plattsburgh Police are called to ensure the safety of protestors throughout the year.
For now, neither protestors nor employees feel as though anyone is at risk when visiting the Brinkerhoff Street location. Anti-abortion groups have been present in Plattsburgh for decades, and members believe their protests will continue in a “non-violent” manner as long as abortions are being performed.