Finally... some good media attention!!

Hello, I know I said that I wouldn't be on here until after Easter, but I just thought I'd peek in (After all, it is Sunday~ a day of rest!).

Plus, I couldn't help but share some exciting news: The following is an article that was published today in the Bremerton Sun... it is an article about the "40 Days for Life" that my parents are involved in---It's about time the local media awknowledged some work of the pro-life movement. The title is kind of odd, but I think the content is great.

Anti-Abortion Vigil May Spur Giving to Planned Parenthood

Those representing both sides of the abortion debate are divided over the impact of vigil protests as well.

By Andrew Binion, andrew.binion@kitsapsun.com

March 4, 2007

BREMERTON

Amid sporadic honks of support and an occasional middle finger of disagreement, almost two dozen people stood Saturday afternoon off Riddell Road, holding anti-abortion signs.

It was the second week into a 40-day vigil outside of the Planned Parenthood of Western Washington office, slated to run from Feb. 21 through April 7, every day.

Jack McGowan, president of Kitsap Human Life, a hub for religious and non-religious anti-abortion groups and activists, said the demonstrations are meant to coincide with Lent and raise awareness about the reproductive health care provider.

"People don’t know what Planned Parenthood stands for," McGowan said. "They don’t have any parenting classes at Planned Parenthood."

McGowan estimated that 150 people would stand shifts.

"We’re standing for those who can’t stand for themselves," McGowan said.

McGowan compares the group’s work to overturn federal and state laws and court rulings allowing abortion rights to the anti-slavery and civil rights movements. Life is, McGowan said, the most fundamental right. It’s a position, he added, that’s not a matter of personal perspective.

"It’s similar to saying, ‘I don’t believe in slavery, but you can believe in slavery,’" McGowan said.

Nina Mays, a data analyst from Bellevue, heard about the vigil on the Internet and made the trip to Bremerton last weekend as well. She said she will keep coming on Saturdays until the vigil ends.

"When people get an abortion it’s because they feel trapped, not because they are truly choosing it," she said.

Mays took the middle fingers in stride, but the honks of support concerned McGowan.

"Some people in the neighborhood are getting disturbed," he said.

Mendy Droke, a Planned Parenthood field organizer for Kitsap County, said the organization does more to prevent unwanted pregnancies than anti-abortion groups.

And Kristen Glundberg-Prossor, a spokeswoman for Planned Parenthood of Western Washington, said that abortions account for about 2 percent of the patients seen. She said that the organization does cancer screenings, testing for sexually transmitted diseases, hepatitis testing and provides birth control as well.

Droke also noted that fund raising sees an uptick when there are protesters outside their offices, saying that the outrage supporters feel at the sight of picketers makes them open their wallets and checkbooks.

"Every one of the protesters out there will be raising money," Droke said.

Countered McGowan: "If enough people stand vigil, they will run out of contributors."