Emotions Flare Over Planned Parenthood

By Katie Wiedemann, Reporter

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By Katie Wiedemann

Story Created: Aug 12, 2008 at 4:46 PM CST

Story Updated: Aug 12, 2008 at 5:16 PM CST

Dubuque - Tensions are brewing between Planned Parenthood and Dubuque County Right to Life.
Late last month Planned Parenthood told TV-9 it will open a clinic in Dubuque.

Directors say that clinic will NOT perform abortions.

There are signs of vandalism at the headquarters for Dubuque County Right to Life.
There is silly string on the doors and windows, and flowers ripped from the ground.

Dubuque County Right to Life Director, Steve Brody said, "Actions like this will not deter us, it will not silence us, will not intimidate us, but will only encourage us to continue with our work."
The clinic in Dubuque will NOT perform abortions.

Planned Parenthood Volunteer Ann Straley said, "we will be offering education, testing, counseling, birth control."
Straley says the center may offer referrals to other clinics that do perform abortions.

Straley said, "you are not going to be met there with a lecture on you shouldn't be having sex until you are married. There is a reality here."

But it's the referrals that worry the Right to Life Group most.

Jane Meyer said, "Planned Parenthood has nothing to do with life. It has everything to do with the culture of death."

Planned Parenthood will not say specifically where and when the clinic will open.
But the Right to Life group says it knows.

Brody said, "we know where you are going to be opening and we will be telling our friends as well as we will make our appropriate plans and strategies."

Strategies to stand their ground, from people standing on both sides of the issue.

Planned Parenthood of East Central Iowa does not want to comment on camera until their Dubuque Clinic is open.
But a spokesperson tells TV-9, "Planned Parenthood is surprised at the controversy that the opening of our Dubuque Health Center is causing in a portion of the Dubuque community of faith.It is important to keep in mind there are communities of faith in Dubuque that are communicating with us and welcoming Planned Parenthood."

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