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About 50 anti-abortionists staged a lunchtime protest Monday across the street from Planned Parenthood, 817 Franklin St. in Kernville.
“It’s a vigil for victims taking place nationwide from 12 to 1 at all Planned Parenthood clinics,” organizer Heidi Bence of the West End said.
She said the protesters, many holding anti-abortion signs and saying the Lord’s Prayer in unison, also were targeting sex trafficking and prostitution – practices, she claimed, that were supported by Planned Parenthood.
Some drivers passing by either gave a thumbs up or honked their support.
Though the clinic was supposed to be open Monday afternoon, no one answered a buzzer.
A phone call to the clinic was not immediately returned.
It has been nearly 40 years since the U.S. Supreme Court – citing a woman’s right to privacy – upheld abortion.
But Bence isn’t discouraged.
“If slavery was still existing, you’d stand up,” she said. “As long as abortion is taking place, I’ll be here.”
The Rev. Alfred Patterson of St. John Roman Catholic Church in Summerhill said he came because he was invited.
He said he enjoyed peaceful protests.
“They have great symbolic value,” Patterson said.
Protesters initially were demonstrating in front of the building, but city police shooed them across Franklin.
Local News
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An anti-abortion protester holds a sign Monday across the street from the Johnstown Planned Parenthood offices at 817 Franklin St. Todd Berkey
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Protesters picket Planned Parenthood
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