Pro-life activist Tom Uebbing bows his head as Father John Paul Leyba leads a prayer. A “Defund Planned Parenthood” Rally outside Planned Parenthood of the Rockies, Feb. 11, 2017. (Kevin J. Beaty/Denverite)
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A rally of about 200 anti-abortion activists proceeded through their agenda without much ruckus today outside Planned Parenthood of the Rockies, though a group of 10-15 counter protesters sparked a few arguments toward the end.
This event was part of a national movement of such protests today. The #ProtestPP website listed 227 other events across the nation (and one in the U.K.). It was sponsored by the Pro-Life Action League.
Supporters prayed and cheered for an end to what they say is infanticide.
"This is a spiritual war, but it has a physical dimension," said Tom Eubbing, who helped organize the event.
Bethany Janzen, Rocky Mountain Regional Coordinator for Students for Life, addressed the crowd in support of "alternative" options to Planned Parenthood, federally qualified health centers that she says offer more services and not abortion. These centers operate on reimbursements from Medicare and Medicaid, as does Planned Parenthood.
Literature handed out at the event says Planned Parenthood is "the nation's largest abortion chain" and a "corrupt organization" that has been caught "shielding child predators" and "exaggerates their role in women's healthcare."
What conflict that did arise between opposing protesters seemed to reveal similar sentiments on both sides.
Jason Metter, who was picketing with a group from Denver Socialists, yelled, "You're hurting people!"
Anti-Planned Parenthood protestors who strayed from the main stage toward Metter were heard yelling back, "You don't have to kill them!"
Brenda C., a counter protester, yelled that "white privilege" was blinding anti-abortion activists from seeing that their policies hurt marginalized communities who would be burdened by accidental pregnancy.
Kevin is a multimedia artist who flung himself into the world of journalism. He likes using a camera and microphone to tell stories about workers, the environment, social justice and fascinating humans.