NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin Stands Strong Against Anti-Choice Group’s Intimidation Tactics
In response to a letter received on August 23, 2007 from Pro-Life Wisconsin's attorney, NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin executive director Kelda Helen Roys issued the following statement:
"NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin stands by its statements regarding the presence of Pro-Life Wisconsin’s executive director Peggy Hamill at 'Paul Hill Days.' The facts are not in dispute:
§ "Paul Hill Days" was a gruesome four-day celebration of the murder of a physician and his assistant, organized by "pro-life" activists from around the country.
§ Ms. Hamill was present at the Saturday morning Paul Hill Days demonstration – as she admits, as was captured on videotape, and as reported in a widely circulated newspaper.
§ Other organizations – including Wisconsin Right to Life – immediately and categorically condemned Paul Hill Days, while Pro-Life Wisconsin stayed silent before, during, and after the event.
§ Even when given the opportunity to clarify her attendance at Paul Hill Days or distance Pro-Life Wisconsin from the gruesome spectacle, Ms. Hamill refused to do so. Rather, Hamill was quoted to say, "We only speak on what our organization is doing. We're not about to comment on what other organizations are doing." ["'Appalling' Pro-Life Event Condemned," Shepherd Express, August 9, 2007]
We are glad that now, nearly a month after an event glorifying a convicted murderer as a "pro-life" hero, Pro-Life Wisconsin has finally stated its opposition to violence against abortion providers. We note, however, that even in their long-overdue public statement, they failed to specifically condemn Paul Hill Days.
To the extent that there is confusion about Pro-Life Wisconsin's stance on Paul Hill Days, it arises from their own refusal to condemn the event and their long history of supporting efforts to intimidate women seeking health services at Wisconsin clinics.
Pro-Life Wisconsin's allegations against NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin – much like their assertions about birth control and other women's health issues – are frivolous, baseless, and contrary to the facts.
NARAL Pro-Choice Wisconsin will continue to speak out for women’s access to the full range of reproductive health care, and against the senseless violence represented by Paul Hill Days. To the extent that Pro-Life Wisconsin wants to continue engaging in a public conversation about the violent, criminal tactics of extreme anti-choice groups and their negative impact on women’s health, we welcome that conversation.
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