Halfway through a 40-day protest, abortion opponents here say that they can count two "saves" -- women who decided not to have an abortion after encountering their sidewalk campaign.
The protesters stand on the sidewalk on Maplewood Avenue on the opposite side of the street from its intersection with Brigham Street, near the site of a Planned Parenthood office that provides abortions.
The protesters are part of a nationwide campaign called 40 Days for Life. This year's fall vigil began Sept. 24 and will end Nov. 2.
"The foundations are prayer and fasting," said Toni Buckler, a coordinator. "There is no violence, no ugly pictures. This campaign is to reach out to mothers and fathers who feel that they have no choice but to abort and let them know that we can help."
Buckler said that the protest is respectful, with no shouting, and that those taking part in it don't hate those who work at the clinic. She said that the two women who declined to have an abortion did so after approaching the group in its sidewalk vigil.
But Melissa Reed, Planned Parenthood's vice president for public policy, said that a larger group protested Saturday, and that "there was yelling and shouting at patients" and people taking pictures of them.
"We are dedicated to making sure that women receive care in a safe, healthy and private environment," Reed said. "It is harassment and intimidation."
Planned Parenthood has twice complained to police about the protesters because of their placement of signs. Police said that the protesters are not supposed to put signs on the right of way, though signs could be seen there yesterday. The group said they have met frequently with police during the campaign and that police have given their actions the OK.
The protesters can't actually stand in front of the Planned Parenthood office because it is on the back side of the building at the corner of Brigham and Maplewood, and there is no sidewalk there. The closest they can get is the sidewalk in front of Triad Surgical Associates, but LuAnn Steele, the office manager there, said that has confused people.
"Our patients misunderstand and think our doctors are doing the abortions, which they don't," Steele said. "Our receptionist went to the bank one day, and a lady with a sign looked at her and shouted ‘no.'"
Protesters said that some of the other offices in the vicinity are not happy with their presence, but said that the campaign is raising awareness among the public: Some weren't aware that there was an abortion clinic in the neighborhood, Buckler said.
Though the protest is not overtly tied to a political campaign, some participants said they are hopeful that people will consider their message as they vote. Some of them pointed out that Republican John McCain is pro-life, while Democrat Barack Obama is pro-choice.
"I vote based on morals," said Taimia Bell, who carried a sign yesterday afternoon. Her choice "will be the candidate that is pro-life," she said.
■ Wesley Young can be reached at 727-7369 or at wyoung@wsjournal.com.
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