Citation

Radford B, Shaw CG. Womens Health Issues 1993; 3(3): 144-151.

Affiliation

National Abortion Federation, Washington, DC.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1993, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8274869

Abstract

Most antiabortion groups objected peacefully to the US Supreme Court decision granting women access to abortion by lobbying, demonstrating, and writing letters. Some groups reacted violently. In 1984, violent acts had climbed to 18 bombings and 6 acts of arson directed against abortion providers. They dropped in 1988-1990 and rose again in 1992-1993. The far rights' disapproval of the Reagan and Bush Administrations' inability to make abortion illegal accounts for these increased acts of violence. The violent antiabortion groups interpreted Reagan's failure to stop the continuing violence as approval of their methods. A former Catholic seminarian, Joseph Scheidler, called for a militant effort to end abortion, thereby unleashing the militant, violent antiabortion movement. He led local grassroots groups nationwide to accomplish the Year of Pain and Fear he called for in his book. Antiabortion zealots understand and use the potency of language. The dehumanize abortion providers. They suggest that followers pray for death or destruction. Their rhetoric of hatred motivates persons to perform violent acts. Little difference exists between clinic blockaders and clinic bombers/arsonists. Antiabortion zealots tend to be financial and social drifters escaping a past of drinking or drugs and from very dysfunctional families. Antiabortion violence has ushered in a new wave--murder of a provider. Abortion providers have adapted to lie with threats, jeering, and bricks thrown through windows. Even though abortion seekers fear personal injury, they fear even more harassment and invasion of privacy. Their tactics have reduced women's access to abortion care. Abortion providers operate in just 17% of US counties. When zealots spew hatred on families, however, providers often stop performing abortions. Nevertheless, communities are starting to stand up to the reactionaries. Neighbors, patients, businesses, and other physicians in Montana supported a clinic after a violent act. This needs to occur more often to stop the violence.

Language: en