Group protests Planned Parenthood meeting at Chinn library
Donnie Biggs/News & Messenger
Katie Walker, left, Marie Hahnenberg and Johanna Dasteel, all with American Life League, protest outside of Chinn Park Regional Library on Tuesday in Woodbridge. The group protested a Planned Parenthood training session for volunteers.
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By Amanda Stewart
Published: July 15, 2008
A group of about half a dozen pickets gathered in front of Chinn Park Regional Library on Tuesday evening to protest a Planned Parenthood meeting.
The protesters, many of whom held purple signs that said "Planned Parenthood Steals Souls," were protesting a Planned Parenthood volunteer training session being held inside
the library's community room.
"We're here to let people know that Planned Parenthood is not liked in the community," said Marie Hahnenberg, a researcher with American Life League, the group that organized the protest.
Planned Parenthood volunteers organizing the
training session said they had no comment on the protest.
Hahnenberg said the protesters were concerned that Planned Parenthood would be targeting young people in the training session.
According to a Web site for Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia, Tuesday's event was a training session for people interested in volunteering for Planned Parenthood events such as the Occoquan Riverfest, farmers' market and summer concerts.
The training session taught volunteers about the group's missions and services, its campaign for affordable birth control and specific volunteer opportunities, the Web site stated.
Hahnenberg said she and the other protesters were also concerned about Planned Parenthood meeting at the library.
"They should not be at a public library," she said.
According to the Prince William Public Library system's policy on public use of library community rooms, the library does not discriminate against individuals or groups for any reason, including "the political, religious, or social aims expressed by the individual or group, or by any group's members."
Any government agency or non-profit group can apply to use the meeting rooms, as long as the events are open to the public and no fundraising occurs, the policy states.
Staff writer Amanda Stewart can be reached at 703-878-8014.
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Reader Reactions
Posted by ( jVA ) on July 18, 2008 at 11:53 am
“how about the children snuffed out through abortion and their mothers”
I wonder how many of those pregnancies could have been avoided in the first place with proper sex education for teens and easier access to birth control. The morning after pill?
I respect the pro-life movement for wanting to end abortion. But they need to get realistic about preventing unplanned pregnancies in the first place. Abstinence only is a fairy tale.
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Posted by ( lg ) on July 18, 2008 at 9:12 am
I pray these PP volunteers realize how their “good will” might impact many innocent victims (i.e., children in the womb). Wellread, talk about repressed—how about the children snuffed out through abortion and their mothers? No comparison to those who value human life and stand up to support it --prairie dresses optional.
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Posted by ( MPMom ) on July 17, 2008 at 8:31 pm
I am unimpressed with both the pro-life movement and Planned Parenthood. Both groups have been playing political ping pong with young women’s lives for decades now. Neither will encourage a young woman to make the right choice for herself, merely the one that best conforms to their platform. I have seen it over and over throughout the years. It’s disgusting. Some of these posts on both sides just serve to reinforce my position.
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Posted by ( badger21 ) on July 17, 2008 at 1:21 pm
We ignorant individuals did not elect the moron that currently serves as commander -in-chief. You did! So figure out how to get our economy out of the hole, stop the multi-trillion dollar war and destroying the ozone. All thanks to the non-thinkers, that would be you!
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Posted by ( Betsyjc3 ) on July 17, 2008 at 12:44 pm
I wonder if Jesus would have typed the words “ignorant individuals”.
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Posted by ( SEE ) on July 17, 2008 at 12:42 pm
Oh Susan! Why did you have to go and belittle yourself by calling someone ignorant?
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Posted by ( susan ) on July 17, 2008 at 11:27 am
Ok wonderful citizens. Must I remind you that this demonstration is their right. Regardless of how many. Just because you do not agree with their views you are picking. Also, blue_doggette whether or not is a government program it is run as such. Who do you think pays for their materials, you? Also whether or not my son wheres condoms is actually none of your business. He is an adult and actually it is none of my business either. I did my job is raising him make the right decisions. That is all any of us parents can do. I am glad that this group has helped you but dont try to down them because of their views. And as you called the demonstrators “evangelical pro life demonstrators” I would be proud to be called such. You ignorant individuals actually think that is a critical remark.
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Posted by ( DuaneNoVA ) on July 17, 2008 at 11:16 am
it’s sad this is still the top story on the website and it is two days old. the website is as bad as the newspaper.
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Posted by ( POOKEYSGRL07 ) on July 17, 2008 at 11:10 am
I WISH THE YOUNG LADY IN HOUSTON TEXAS HAD GONE TO A PP ORG.INSTEAD,FULL OF FEAR GAVE BIRTH IN A HIGH SCHOOL BATHROOM AND TRIED TO FLUSH THE BABY DOWN THE TOILET AFTER STUFFING PAPER TOWELS IN ITS MOUTH SO NO ONE WOULD HEAR HIM.EDUCATION,NOT JUDGEMENT IS THE ANSWER.
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Posted by ( blue_doggette ) on July 17, 2008 at 7:32 am
Oh Susan, PUH-LEEZ. Educate yourself. Planned Parenthood is not a government program.
If you don’t like PP, then make sure you and yours never darken its door. But stay out of the way. Everyone might not be so fortunate as to have a parent who will talk and listen to them.
Please tell me you aren’t telling your son not to use condoms?
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