Dozens Gather at Norfolk Clinic to Take Stand on Abortion

By Dave Forster, The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va.

Jan. 21–NORFOLK — About 120 people joined a “prayer siege” Saturday at a Norfolk clinic that performs abortions, forming what it s organizer called one of the largest such demonstrations in South Hampton Roads in years.

The vigil outside the Hillcrest Clinic was held two days before the 34th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision in Roe v. Wade that established a constitutional right to abortion. Organizers plan to make the group showing a monthly event.

David Crane, who organized the event with his non profit, Life Ministries, has had a handful of workers stand outside clinics for years, but the mass vigil marks a new approach, he said.

“We really believe we’ve been wea k on the spiritual side of it,” he said.

The Hillcrest Clinic opened in 1973. In 1994 it drew national attention when John C. Salvi III opened fire on the building, at 1600 E. Little Creek Road, one day after he shot two people to death at clinics near Boston.

Suzette Katan, manager of the clinic, said the number of protesters seems to have fallen in recent years. “Our feeling is, as long as they’re staying on public property, they certainly have their First Amendment right to express their opinions,” she said.

On Saturday, a line of silent people stretched around the corner. Most of them, including the young children who came with parents, wore pieces of red tape over their mouth with “Life” written on it.

When somebody approached the building, which also houses a bank, a hair salon and other offices, Crane or one of his workers tried to talk the person out of going in.

“Hey guys, are you here for Hillcrest?” asked Laci Huddleston, 17, as two women approached the front door.

“Could I just give you some information?” Huddleston asked.

“No,” the older woman answered, helping the other into the back of a car.

Huddleston began to describe the development of a fetus at four weeks, but the car began to drive away. Huddleston got on her cell phone and called to another person near the back parking lot. “The girl looks like 15 years old, or 14, even,” she said. “They’re heading around back.”

Crane said his group offers to help women who decide against abortion, including gifts of $250 to help with bills or shopping expenses.

— Reach Dave Forster at (757) 222-5563 or dave.forster@pilotonline.com.

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Copyright (c) 2007, The Virginian-Pilot, Norfolk, Va.

Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Business News.

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