Fort Myers Fort Pierce Gainesville Melbourne Miami Orlando Pensacola Port Charlotte Sarasota Tallahassee Tampa West Palm Beach Ft. Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale -- Forced Abortion, Fraud and Embezzlement

       James Billie was the Seminole nation's chief from 1979 to 2001. He had a $312,000 annual salary and dictated most tribal spending. He also had a $15 million-a-year personal "kitty" from which he could spend as much as he liked, and dictated most tribal spending. Other Council members are authorized to dole out $5 million a year each -- and more if they wish.
       Tribal officials suspended Billie nearly two years ago over his financial dealings and an employee's sexual harassment complaint. The employee complained that Billie had gotten her pregnant, and that she was then forced to have an abortion.
       The Seminole tribe is suing Billie, claiming he and the tribe's business manager lost $20 million by shifting the tribe's investments to a broker friend who went on a $100 million day-trading binge in one year.
       The tribe cleared the way more than two decades ago for the mushrooming $12.7 billion-a-year Indian gambling industry when the United States Supreme Court backed its right to operate a high-stakes bingo hall over state objections. Gambling became a rags-to-riches story for the Seminoles.
       But some tribal members and outsiders familiar with the Seminoles say the fortune has bred an extended dysfunctional family that serves as a poster child for what's wrong with Indian tribes today and the ineffective oversight and accountability of their riches.
       To tribal member Gloria Wilson, the welfare of the tribe has gotten lost in the power struggle for Seminole leadership. Times have changed from the days when her family furnished its house with government surplus and most of the reservation's housing and roads were federal projects.
       Today, a chunk of profits from the Seminoles' high-stakes bingo, low-stakes poker and video betting is spread among its 2,800 members. Each man, woman and child receives $36,000 a year. There is talk of raising it to $60,000. Health care and college tuition are guaranteed for members, and "the money has been good for the people." But Wilson still has misgivings and gets angry when friends ask, "Where have you been hiding your BMW?"
       The extravagant spending was the highlight of a December 2002 Federal trial in December that charged $2.7 million in unauthorized money went to secret accounts in Nicaragua and Belize. Billie testified the money moves were in fact secret but approved by him for a new tribal Internet gambling venture opposed by other tribal leaders and the tribe's attorney. The judge cut the trial short in December and issued acquittals after the defense demonstrated a disturbing pattern of lax financial oversight and muddled leadership.
       Council member David Cypress testified that he blew through $57 million in less than three years, showering friends and relatives with Mercedes-Benzes, Lexuses and other luxury cars. He bought so many cars for tribal members that he said he had "no ballpark idea" how many he signed for. Cypress said "I flunked in math so I don't know anything about numbers."
       By federal law and U.S. Supreme Court order, Seminole gambling is free of state oversight.
       Catherine Wilson, Associated Press. "Suspended Seminole Chief May Be Kicked Out of Job: Tribe's Leaders Say James Billie and Associates Wasted Millions of Dollars." The Ledger [Lakeland, Polk County, Florida], March 10, 2003.
back to top


Fort Myers -- Aggravated Assault (2 incidents) and Felony Battery on a Person Over Age 65 (2 incidents)

       Philip Allan Heim lives near the Southwest Florida Women's Clinic abortuary at 3973 North Side Circle in North Fort Myers.
       On March 7, 2003, two elderly pro-life protesters, John Doherty, 63, and Lawrence Atkinson, 66, of Fort Myers, were sitting in lawn chairs in public property in front of the abortion mill.
       Heim drove his 1994 Ford Probe onto the grass where they were sitting at 9:30 a.m., knocking Doherty from a lawn chair onto the ground. Heim then got out of his car, shouted at the men and grabbed them by the shirts, said Doherty, who said he and Atkinson were "quietly praying to ourselves," in protest in front of the clinic as they do three days each week.
       "He comes at us like a raging madman and throws the chairs at us. I was scared," Doherty said. "I saw the guy's face, he was glaring angry, he was screaming `Get out of my .... neighborhood.'"
       The protesters were across the street from the clinic, as required by a sheriff's no-trespassing order, sheriff's spokesman Larry King said.
       Heim was charged with felony battery on a person over age 65, battery, and aggravated assault.
       "More Proabort Violence: Man Arrested for Threatening Protesters Outside North Fort Myers Abortion Clinic." May 29, 1999. Downloaded from the Web site of Missionaries to the Unborn [MTTU] at http://www.mttu.com on March 7, 2003. "Pro-Abort Assaults Picketers at Abortuary." LifeSite Daily News at http://www.lifesite.net, May 31, 1999. See also http://www.naplesnews.com/today/bonita/d254053a.htm and http://www.naplesnews.com/today/florida/d214895a.htm.
back to top


Fort Pierce -- Assault, Harassment and Death Threats (2 incidents)

       In August 2000, Father Thomas Euteneuer, a priest at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Indiantown, and Anne Lotierzo, a teacher at Hope Rural School in Indiantown, filed a lawsuit against the "A Woman's World Medical Center" abortion mill under the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) act.
       Father Euteneuer and Mrs. Lotierzo alleged in their suit that, from 1998 until June 2000, five clinic employees, an employee's spouse and numerous patients threatened them as they offered counseling outside the abortuary. The suit claims clinic owner Candace Dye condoned the harassment. They also say people tried to run Father Euteneuer over and grabbed his counseling literature as he stood outside the clinic. Rick Nelson, an attorney from the Orlando-based American Liberties Institute, represented the pair, saying that their counseling efforts are covered by FACE just as the clinic's staff and patients are.
       Father Euteneuer and Mrs. Lotierzo prevailed in their FACE litigation against the abortion mill, primarily on the strength of the death threats communicated to them by pro-abortionists.
       "Abortion Foes Sue Clinic, Saying They Were Harassed." Miami Herald, August 6, 2000; "Courts Decide on Florida Sidewalk Counseling Lawsuits." Associated Press, January 8, 2002; Steve Ertelt's Pro-Life Infonet at http://www.prolifeinfo.org, January 10, 2002.
back to top


Gainesville -- Arson

       Pro-abortionists firebombed the Gainesville Right To Life office with a Molotov cocktail on February 13, 1993. This incident of terrorism was not mentioned by a single media outlet.
       Life Issues Connector, August 1994, page 3; Tim Graham and Clay Waters. "Roe Warriors: The Media's Pro-Abortion Bias." Media Research Council report, July 22, 1998; "Right to Life Office Bombed." Life Advocate, April 1993.
back to top


Melbourne -- Vehicular Assault

       On September 27, 1993, at the Aware Woman Center for Choice abortion clinic, a pro-abortionist driving a black Ford Bronco II almost killed four pro-life picketers by approached them at a high rate of speed and swerving away at the last possible moment. The vehicle's license plates were covered over with paper and tape.
       Operation Rescue National. Violence and Disruption Report, November 27, 1994.
Melbourne -- Vehicular Assault

       On September 27, 1993, at the Aware Woman Center for Choice abortion clinic, a pro-abortionist driving a black Ford Bronco II almost killed four pro-life picketers by approached them at a high rate of speed and swerving away at the last possible moment. The vehicle's license plates were covered over with paper and tape.
       Operation Rescue National. Violence and Disruption Report, November 27, 1994.


Melbourne -- Improper Exhibition of a Dangerous Weapon

       Patricia Baird-Windle, founder and owner of the Aware Clinic for Women, often testified to the media about the "extremism" of pro-lifers. She was quoted at least 30 times in news articles on this topic. However, there was absolutely no media mention of Windle's arrest for improper exhibition of a dangerous weapon on March 30, 1995. In January 1995, three Brevard County public works employees were driving slowly to inspect recent road work in front of Windle's home when Windle waved a gun at them from her driveway. In July 1995, she pled no contest and was sentenced to six months probation and a gun safety course -- without any media attention whatsoever.
       Tim Graham and Clay Waters. "Roe Warriors: The Media's Pro-Abortion Bias." Media Research Council report, July 22, 1998.
back to top


Miami -- Murder (2 counts), Attempted Murder, Possession of Cocaine, Leaving the Scene of an Accident, and Reckless Driving (8 incidents)

       Abortionist Betty Eason ran the Dadeland abortion mill with her 18- and 21-year-old granddaughters while her daughter Susan Eason Hoffman and son Marc Eason were incarcerated.
       She used to tell patients things like "Don't go out and put yourself in the hands of quacks, dear. There are plenty of places that don't care about women like we do." She claimed that she went into the abortion business because "Someone very close to me nearly died in an illegal abortion in Mexico. Also, I saw a black woman in a New York hospital nearly bleed to death after she had an abortion with a coat hanger. I'm pro-choice. That's what gets me up in the morning."
       Her son, Marc Eason, was a vocal pro-abortionist who worked at the Dadeland abortion clinic. He was sentenced to life imprisonment without possibility of parole for the ax-murders of his roommates. Eason said the murders were "justifiable homicide" because the roommates had "complained about his sloppiness." He also stabbed his mother, Betty Eason, in the neck with a steak knife, saying she deserved it for having poisoned his father (who died of a heart attack) in 1969.
       Susan Eason Hoffman, "clinic president" of Dadeland, was convicted on 11 charges, from possession of cocaine to leaving the scene of an accident, and had 32 traffic convictions for speeding and reckless driving.
       Miami Herald, September 17, 1989.


Miami -- Manslaughter, Practicing Medicine Without a License, and Malpractice (6 incidents)

       Abortionist Hipolito Barreiro, owner of the Women's Health Care abortuary in Miami, was charged with manslaughter in connection with the January 4, 1983 death of 33-year old Shirley Payne. He had not bothered to acquire a license to practice medicine in the United States. He performed abortions on women who were not pregnant. He asked a licensed physician to take responsibility for one of the women he killed. He used unsterile instruments and had three women employees with no medical training dress and act as nurses.
       Barreiro had previously killed at least three other women with his "safe and legal" abortions, including 23-year old Ruth Montero on August 7, 1979; 25-year old Maura Morales on May 8, 1981; and 26-year old Myrta Baptiste on December 18, 1982. Barreiro's abortion mill was unlicensed, because when the State of Florida attempted to regulate abortion clinics, their owners filed suit to protect their unlicensed status, and a circuit judge found that the law was "unjust." Eventually, public outcry made the courts realize they could protect and defend this abortion mill no longer, and Circuit Court Judge Joseph Nadler ordered it closed.
       There were many less severe but still tragic incidents of botched abortions at this abortuary over the years. On August 4, 1978, Carmen Neumann had her uterus and bowel perforated at the abortuary. It took her months to recover, including 15 days in a hospital. Digna Harris nearly died after her May 21, 1980 abortion, also having her uterus and bowel punctured. She settled out of court for $39,000 in damages. Avis Quarrel sued abortionist Alfred Pin after being victimized by an October 1980 botched abortion. Linda Mckinnon nearly died after her July 10, 1981 abortion. Jane Carroll had her uterus ruptured during her December 29, 1981 abortion and had to have a hysterectomy. Ivonne Bruno had a huge tear in her uterus caused by a May 9, 1982 abortion and had to have a total hysterectomy.
       It should be noted that local and national pro-abortion groups loudly and vigorously defended this butcher shop during the investigations, once again demonstrating that their sole interest is making money, not protecting the lives and safety of women. It also made a mockery of their cry "we will never go back to the back alley!"
       Steve Sternberg and Bob Lowe. "Abortion Clinic's Files Seized: Four Have Died After Operations at Miami Center." The Miami Herald, January 8, 1983, pages 1A and 7A; "4 Patients Have Died Since Abortion Clinic Opened in '78." The Miami Herald, January 7, 1983, pages 1A and 7A; Steve Sternberg and Bob Lowe. "Clinic Owner is Held After Latest Death." The Miami Herald, January 8, 1983, pages 1A and 8A; Steve Sternberg. "Judge Shuts Abortion Clinic; U.S. Joins Death Probe." The Miami Herald, January 11, 1983, page 1A; New York Daily News, January 12, 1983; Miami Herald, January 5, 1983; State Report. "The Back Alley Comes to Main Street." ALL About Issues, April 1983, page 29; State Report. "Abortuary Closed After Fourth Woman Dies." ALL About Issues, March 1983, page 29.


Miami -- Fatal Botched Abortion and Malpractice (5 incidents)

       Abortionist Orlando Zalvidar supervised another abortionist, Hipolito Barrierio, who aborted Myrta Baptiste at the Woman's Care Clinic abortion mill on December 18, 1982. She arrived at a nearby hospital in critical condition due to delay of transfer and bled to death from two uterine perforations; Zaldivar could not be reached for 7 hours. Her abortion was done by an unlicensed practitioner and hence was technically illegal by CDC standards. Zaldivar's license was inactive at the time, and he was evidently also supervising Hipolito Barrierio during this period.
       Zalvidar had his medical license revoked in 1983 after aborting a 12-year-old girl, who suffered lacerations and required hospitalization.
       Zalvidar's medical license was revoked again in 1987 after at least four other cases of egregious malpractice.
       Miami Herald, December 22, 1982, January 5, 1983, May 4, 1983 and November 17, 1986; Obstetrics & Gynecology News, September 1986; and Dade County Circuit Court Case #83-37733


Miami Area [Little Havana] -- Fatal Botched Abortion

       On December 19, 1995, abortionist Luis Marti performed an abortion on 21 year old Carolina Gutierrez, and repeatedly punctured her uterus. She left the abortion mill and soon developed a severe infection. Her repeated calls to the abortion mill requesting the doctor to phone her were ignored. Three days later she was rushed to the intensive care unit at Jackson Memorial Hospital where she was placed on a respirator and later had her hands and feet amputated.
       On February 5, 1996, Carolina died as infection ravaged her body. She is survived by her husband, Jose Linarte, and two children, Alba 5, and Darwin 2.
       Abortionist Marti fled town and the Maber Center abortion mill was closed for several weeks. The local media in Miami did a remarkable job covering this tragic story, but there was not a single word of concern or condolence from NOW, NARRAL, Planned Parenthood or any other pro-abortion group.
       Miami Herald, February 6, 1996; "Another Mother Dead from "Safe" Legal Abortion." Operation Rescue National Newsletter, February 15, 1996.


Miami Area [Midland] -- Attempted Murder

       In October of 1992, pro-abortion Democrat Eric Capun fired five shots through the window of the home of his political opponent, pro-life Republican Robert Stark, wounding Stark's wife Judith.


Miami Area [Hollywood] -- Conspiracy to Commit Murder

       In September 1993, pro-abortion lawyer David Lusskin tried to force his girlfriend Kim Mascola to abort their preborn twins. She refused, so he hired a hit man to use a baseball bat to bash her in the stomach to make sure the babies were dead, and then to beat the mother over the head to murder her.
       Lusskin was convicted in 1995, and was released from prison October 1, 2000, after serving less than six years of a 14-year sentence.
       Eight months after he was sentenced, Florida implemented tougher sentencing laws that would have required Lusskin to serve at least 11 years. Under current law, he would have had to stay in prison at least until 2006, said Jimmie Henry, chairman of the Florida Parole Commission. But because of more lenient laws in place at the time of his sentencing, Lusskin was able to earn a full, early release.
       Mascola asked for leniency when Lusskin was originally sentenced, a plea that drew criticism because Lusskin's mother offered Mascola $250,000 if she would help keep him out of prison. Today she says the money was tempting in light of the expense of caring for twins. Mascola, who has since married, said Lusskin still hasn't paid any child support, despite a court order to pay $656 a month.
       It wasn't until after Lusskin was sentenced that Mascola heard his audiotaped voice asking a prostitute to find someone to attack her with a baseball bat, if necessary. "I can't describe the revulsion I felt when I heard that," she said. Lusskin, who was disbarred after his conviction, could not be reached for comment after his release. He did not respond to a message left with the doorman of his apartment building in Aventura, and his brother, who is also a lawyer, declined to speak to a reporter or relay an interview request.
       "I am worried for my safety, but what can I do?" said Mascola. "They said I can get a restraining order against him. Against him? He tried to hire someone [to kill me]. What good would it do to have a restraining order against him?"
       "`Free Me Without Bail,' Asks Lawyer Accused of Plotting to Kill Woman." Miami Herald, September 22, 1993; Trevor Jensen. "Hollywood Lawyer Found Guilty for Plotting Murder." Florida Sun-Sentinel, January 21, 1995, pages 1B and 5B; "Man Who Attacked Girlfriend After Abortion Refusal Freed From Prison." Florida Sun-Sentinel, December 15, 2000; Steven Ertelt's Pro-Life Infonet at http://www.prolifeinfo.org/infonet.html, December 19, 2000.


Miami Area [Fort Lauderdale] -- Rape and Forced Abortion

       On April 27, 1988, Fort Lauderdale abortionist Theodore Lehrer, a member of the National Abortion Federation (NAF) and owner of the All Women's Clinic abortion mill, was charged with sexual battery after he imprisoned and forcibly aborted his wife. According to the abortionist's wife, he handcuffed her, dragged her into the bedroom, tied her to a table and gagged her. Then he raped her and forcibly aborted her against her will.
       It is significant that this abortionist and his wife had signed a prenuptial contract which stated that, in the event of divorce, the wife would get only $5,000 if she bore him no children, but would be granted alimony, property, and child support if she had children.
       Miami Herald, May 5, 1988; Associated Press, April 29, 1988; Leslie Bond. "Abortionist Charged for Aborting Wife Against Her Will." National Right to Life News, June 23, 1988, page 9; Paul Likoudis. "Investigators Cast a Wide Net To Find Abortionist's Murderer." The Wanderer, December 10, 1998, pages 1 and 10.


Miami -- Rape, Sexual Misconduct, Incompetence and Negligence

       According to a suit by a female patient, abortionist Robert A. Lieberman sexually molested and then raped her. She said that she "was naked from the waist down and partially covered by a paper sheet on the examining table," and no nurse or assistant present. Lieberman "began to make sexually oriented comments" and "began reaching under the sheet to touch her body." She begged him to stop and repeatedly pushed his hand away, but the abortionist pulled her to the end of the exam table and raped her.
       A complaint filed by the Florida Department of Professional Regulation alleges excessive prescriptions of controlled substances for female patients. He had an emergency license restriction in Florida 1988 following a complaint of sexual misconduct with a patient, and his license was later revoked in New York and Florida for substandard care, incompetence, or negligence as well as overprescribing controlled substances.
       Orange County Circuit Court Case #84-1969.


Miami -- Assault with a Deadly Weapon (ADW)

       On May 19, 1990, about 25 pro-lifers were picketing The Miami Herald when a pro-abortionist pointed a 9 mm handgun at them and yelled "This is my point of view -- this is your choice."
       Operation Rescue National, Violence and Disruption Report, December 4, 1994; "`Pro-Life'" Protesters Report Man Pointed Gun at Them." The Miami Herald, May 20, 1990, page 4B.


Miami Area [Coral Gables] -- Sexual Abuse (5 incidents)

       In 1990, the Florida Medical Board disciplined male nurse Barry A. Hill, who was employed at the Today's Woman Medical Center abortion mill of Coral Gables, which is owned by Dr. Vladimar Rosenthal. On October 26, 1989, HRS inspector Diane Robie discovered two envelopes in the clinic containing pictures of several women undressed with their legs apart. According to Medical Board reports, the perineal area was the focal point of the photographer. Hill, the clinic's anesthetist, claimed ownership of the photographs. Several former employees of the clinic also accused Hill of fondling the breasts of several female patients while they were under anesthesia. These former clinic employees told news reporters that they were fired by clinic owner Rosenthal after he heard them complaining to a National Abortion Federation representative of the deplorable conditions at the clinic, and about Mr. Hill's activities.
       Florida Department of Professional Regulation Case #89-010853; Miami Herald, October 7, 1989.


Miami Area [Tamarac] -- Sexual Assault (22 incidents)

       In 1987 the Tamarac Police Department began an investigation into allegations of sexual assault by abortionist Jeffrey Goldenberg, who was was employed by the University Women's Center abortion mill in Tamarac. Goldenberg was never tried on charges developed during investigations, because he was killed in a traffic accident prior to his trial.
       The Florida Department of Professional Regulations indicated that the allegations against Goldenberg were substantiated.
       Florida Department of Professional Regulation case numbers 102532, 73882, 70744, 75174, 80918, 85142, 94175, 94176, 95832, 102527, 528529, 531,598, 103134, 466467, 468489, 103751, 752755, 867793, 86772, 32342, 77112, 86774 and 959320.


Miami Area [Fort Lauderdale] -- Assault (2 incidents)

       Pro-abortionist Patte Martin knew that pro-lifer Jennie Drake was pregnant, but slugged her in the stomach anyway. At Martin's trial, one witness testified that she had said that she "would destroy that girl." Another time, Martin drove her car over the curb towards Mrs. Drake.
       Women Exploited by Abortion (WEBA), Post Office Box 2227, Casselberry, Florida 32707.


Miami Area [Fort Lauderdale] -- Assault (2 incidents)

       In July 1989, a pro-abortionist struck a bullhorn from the mouth of pro-life picketer, and another pro-abortionist shoved her own "KEEP ABORTION SAFE AND LEGAL" sign into the face of a small baby and yelled, "Here baby, read this!"
       Letters to the Editor, Sun Sentinel, September 16, 1989.


Miami Area [Fort Lauderdale] -- Assault with a Deadly Weapon

       On March 2, 1994, a female escort physically assaulted 63-year old pro-lifer Al Lundquist while holding a straight razor in her hand.
       Videotape of the incident; National Pro-Life Newsline, March 1994.


Miami -- Botched Abortion and Practicing Medicine Without a License (35 incidents)

       A South Florida 16-year-old girl went to Jose Casso, 71, for an abortion at his Hialeah abortion mill, but left with a slew of medical problems. She said "I was bleeding until two days ago with a lot of pain and I had to go to Palmetto hospital and they said that I have an infection. ... When I woke up [from the abortion] I was crying and I told him, "Please get me my mom because I feel really bad." I told my mom that I felt like I was bleeding a lot. And my mom looked, and she saw a whole bunch of blood."
       Nearly 40 women have come forward to say that they were "treated" by Casso, who has been arrested twice in the past few months for practicing medicine without a license.
       Police say that they found illegal and expired medication at Casso's office along with stored human tissue. "There are multiple pieces of human fetuses," Captain Jerry Freeman of the Hialeah police said. "She [the anonymous girl] was hospitalized as a result of the complications and she was told by the doctors treating her that there is a possibility that she will never be able to have children as a result of what happened that day."
       "Teen in Florida Says Fake Doctor Botched Abortion." WPLG-TV [ABC-Miami], March 13, 2001; "Teen in Florida Says Fake Doctor Botched Abortion." Steven Ertelt's Pro-Life Infonet at http://www.prolifeinfo.org/infonet.html, March 15, 2001.


Miami -- Grand Larceny and Botched Abortion

       Abortionist Paul S. Glassman's Florida medical license was revoked in 1981 following the death of Cycloria Vangates after one of his abortions. He later recovered his license on the condition that he undergo close supervision and not perform abortions. He moved to Missouri, but his attorney revealed to the Florida Board of Osteopathic Medical Examiners that he performed 17 abortions while visiting in Fort Lauderdale, in an effort to prove the ban against Glassman performing abortions was unnecessary.
       Glassman was also convicted in Florida in 1978 for felony grand larceny involving filing insurance claims for a faked automobile accident.
       Miami Herald, June 16, 1985.


Miami -- Conspiracy to Manufacture Cocaine and Malpractice

       Abortionist Walker L. Whaley attended the birth of Chad Nolan on December 14, 1981. He allowed fetal distress and tachycardia to continue for three hours, administered narcotic drugs which crossed the placenta to the unborn child, and failed to perform a C-section, resulting in the infant suffering a seizure disorder.
       The Florida Board of Medical Examiners recommended suspension and probation due to Whaley's 1984 conviction on conspiracy to manufacture cocaine. It ordered his medical license to be suspended for three years or until completion of the federal sentence, whichever was longer, with reinstatement of his license granted only under stipulations. Whaley, his brother, and the brother's female roommate reportedly were discovered by DEA agents in a drug laboratory in Whaley's basement.
       DPR Case #0035663; Duval County Circuit Court Case #84-10676; and Florida Times-Union, February 9, 1986.


Miami -- Bribery, Illegal Abortions, Unlawful Practice of Medicine and Grand Larceny

       Abortionist Luis Barquet was sentenced to 5 years probation for 10 counts of unlawful practice of medicine, grand larceny, and illegal abortions. According to the article, he was an abortionist in Cuba before fleeing to Miami, where he was arrested for illegal abortions in 1961; in 1962 a study by the International Association of Chiefs of Police called him "a butcher;" he "made a fortune" performing illegal abortions "in back rooms and motels;" was ordered to leave the U.S. in 1963 but returned days later. He was indicted for bribery in New York in 1965 and remained a fugitive until his 1966 arrest in Florida. He successfully challenged Florida's abortion laws in 1972 and was arrested in 1976 on grounds that his abortion facility constituted a public nuisance. Barquet's son reopened the abortion mill while Barquet was in jail.
       Miami Herald, August 8, 1978.


Miami -- Death Threat

       On August 8, 1994, a pro-abortionist called a Catholic parish in the Miami Archdiocese and threatened to kill ten priests for each person killed in abortion clinics.
       Glenn Ellen Duncan. "The Shocking Violence Against Prolifers." Catholic Twin Circle," September 11, 1994, page 11.


Miami -- Burglary and Vandalism

       On the night of December 28, 1992, pro-abortionists broke into Human Life International's Miami office, vandalized it, and stole $7,500 in equipment and money. The thieves also attempted to destroy a picture of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
       Arthur J. Brew. "Miami HLI Headquarters Robbed." The Wanderer, January 28, 1993, page 2.


Miami -- Burglary and Destruction of Property

       A group of pro-abortionists calling themselves "Pissed-Off Women" broke into the editorial offices of the student newspaper at the University of Miami on March 28th, 1994. They destroyed 10,000 copies of a pro-life advertising supplement that was to be distributed inside of newspapers the following week by pouring dye and paint on the copies. The group then faxed a statement to the student newspaper claiming responsibility. After the determined pro-lifers acquired 10,000 more copies of the insert and ran it anyway, the national office of the National Organization for Women (NOW) contacted the school and demanded that the newspaper's editorial staff be reprimanded for running the insert.
       Life Issues Connector, August 1994, page 3; "Pro-Abortion Group Breaks Into College Newspaper Offices to Destroy Pro-Life Advertising." Life Advocate, June 1994, page 29; "Pro-Aborts Commit Break-In, Destroy Pro-Life Ads." The Wanderer, April 14, 1994, page 7.


Miami -- Fraud, Embezzlement and Criminal Abortion

       Abortionist Edward Gordon lost his Florida license to practice medicine because he did not reveal his history of criminal abortion charges in Switzerland and because of his treatment of his wife; Gordon allegedly married an alcoholic millionaire patient, transferred millions of dollars of her assets into his foreign bank accounts, and "treated her alcoholism by giving her more liquor and twice injecting her with Thorazine;" his wife sued from her nursing home to recover her $8 million. During the case, the judge ruled that Gordon had schemed to siphon off his wife's assets.
       Miami Herald, October 10, 1983.


Miami -- Illegal Abortion (2 incidents) and Practicing Medicine Without a License

       Witch doctor Concepcion Rivera was arrested for practicing medicine without a license while on 30 months probation for committing performing two abortions using witch doctor techniques.
       Chicago Sun-Times, February 7, 1982.


Miami -- Practicing Medicine Without a License (2 incidents) and Illegal Abortion (2 counts)

       Abortionist Egar Gonzalez had his medical license revoked in 1983 for committing an illegal abortion on a 12-year-old girl. He was subsequently arrested in 1988 for practicing without a medical license. He and Maria Chavez, who never had a medical license, agreed to perform a $450 abortion on an undercover police officer, who testified that the abortion mill was unsanitary. Gonzalez was also charged with allowing unlicensed persons to perform physical examinations.
       The Florida Board of Medical Examiners suspended the abortionist's medical license after he committed an illegal 28-week abortion on a 12-year old girl, who almost died. The girl was rushed to a nearby hospital where she underwent emergency hysterectomy and colostomy. A manslaughter charge against Gonzalez was dismissed because a fetus is "not a person."
       The State Report. "Tragic Botched Abortion Kills Baby, Mutilates Girl." ALL About Issues, October 1982, page 35. Frontline Update. "Miami Abortionist Loses Medical License Following Third-Trimester Abortion." National Right to Life News, April 14, 1983, page 4; Miami Herald, March 29, 1988.


Miami Area [Fort Lauderdale] -- Illegal Abortions

       Marlene Berk, a former Dadeland corporate officer, operated the Broward's Women Center abortion mill in Fort Lauderdale illegally after its license expired.
       Miami Herald, September 17, 1989.


Miami -- Malpractice (2 incidents) and Negligence

       The Florida Medical Board suspended abortionist Lewis Sidney Wolf's medical license following allegations of grossly underestimating gestational age, resulting in perforated uterus, emergency surgery, and the removal of an ovary and fallopian tube in a 19-year-old patient, and perforation, shock, and hysterectomy in a 41-year-old woman within a three month period. Wolf whined that "I'm being blamed for something that wasn't my fault," and claimed that his clinic director gave him misinformation.
       The Medical Board imposed an emergency suspension of his Florida medical license in July 1991 due to alcohol/drug use/addiction and/or mental condition, and his medical license was suspended again in December 1991 for the same reasons. His license was suspended and he was put on probation in March 1992 for substandard care, incompetence, or negligence.
       Tampa Bay and State, February 9, 1992.


Miami -- Gross Malpractice

       Abortionist Saroja L. Ranpura was placed on a 36-month probation and had a fine imposed upon him in 1989 by the Florida medical board because he was "found guilty of gross or repeated malpractice or failure to practice medicine with an acceptable level of care and skill; failing to keep written medical records justifying curse of treatment of a patient; must take 50 hours of continuing medical education in anesthesia and pay $2500 fine." The abortionist was also disciplined by Ohio and Pennsylvania 1991 due to the Florida board actions.
       Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Case #83CV-03-1398.


Miami -- Gross Negligence

       The Florida State Board of Health closed the Ladies First Medical Center abortion mill in 1989 "after finding dead cockroaches in a sterilizing room, unsanitary surgical gloves, expired drugs and bloody equipment." Inspectors also noted "Bloody equipment, though abortions had not been performed in the two days before the inspection; a mop that reeked of dried blood in the sterilizer room; no hot water and no soap at the clinic's sinks; a device that is inserted into patients' noses during general anesthesia was found on the floor, still hooked to a hose that had been used on a patient; supposedly sterile gauze pads that were stained yellow; patient records left in plain view; dirty socks on recovery room shelf; and "hundreds of medicines and medical supplies that had expired years ago and other medications with no expiration date, indicating they were manufactured before 1978."
       The Florida Health Secretary described Ladies First as "just filthy, the worst I've seen." One of the inspectors told a reporter, "I spent years inspecting clinics in prisons all through Florida. And we wouldn't have waited a minute to close a prison clinic long before it ever looked this bad. I couldn't believe how bad this place was." A reporter allegedly called Ladies First and spoke with cleaning woman who said "I think the charges are really exaggerated. We did the best we can. It's not really that bad, the way they say it."
       The abortion mill was re-opened under stipulations.
       Miami Herald, October 2, 1989 and January 4, 1990; Christina Dunigan. "Back Alley Butchers vs Main Street Maimers." Dateline, September 1, 2000.
back to top


Orlando -- Death Threat

       On October 8, 1994, pro-lifer Larry Schmidt was picketing the Women's Health Organization abortion mill when an aborted mother's boyfriend threatened to kill him. The man was arrested and charged with communicating a death threat.
       National Pro-Life Newsline, October 1994.


Orlando Area [Kissimmee] -- Forced Prostitution, Sexual Battery and Forced Abortion

       Authorities charged pro-abortionist Lydia Lund with sexual battery after she forced her 16-year old daughter to have sex with two men for money, and then forced her to have an abortion.
       "Forced Abortions." Life Activist News [Life Dynamics, Inc.], Fall 1997, pages 1 and 7.


Orlando Area [Kissimmee] -- Assault

       Police arrested pro-abortionist Carl Carlander for striking pro-lifer Ron Martin in the face with a video camera in October, 1989.
       "Senate Panel Kills Attempts at Restrictions." Palm Beach Post, October 1989.


Orlando -- Extortion (2 counts), Perjury (3 counts), Fraud and Malpractice

       This case demonstrates how far pro-abortionists will carry their lies in order to play the victim and smear pro-lifers.
       Abortionist James Scott Pendergraft and his real estate adviser, Michael Spielvogel, were indicted in Federal court on June 13, 2000, for conspiring to extort millions of dollars from Marion County government by making false and fraudulent statements in a civil lawsuit Pendergraft filed in December 1998. That suit named city officials and a dozen pro-lifers as defendants, alleging that the city and county failed to provide adequate protection to his Ocala Women's Center abortion mill. U.S. District Judge William Terrell Hodges dismissed the suit in December 1999, after Pendergraft and attorney Roy Lucas failed to pursue it.
       The new criminal indictment alleges Pendergraft and Spielvogel lied in that suit by saying County Commissioner Larry Cretul threatened Spielvogel and the abortion facility. The indictment also alleges that Pendergraft and Spielvogel, through Lucas, threatened to bankrupt the county with a $100 million lawsuit.
       The indictment calls statements Spielvogel made against Cretul in sworn affidavits "false, fictitious and libelous," and calls the entire civil suit "a scheme to extort the payment of money from Marion County."
       In February 1999, Spielvogel signed an affidavit alleging that Cretul said in a telephone conversation that he knew Spielvogel's wife worked for Pendergraft and that he (Cretul) "wouldn't send any of his family members to Ocala if he were in my situation." The same affidavit also alleges that Cretul "pointedly and threateningly reminded (Spielvogel) of the earlier fire bombings in Ocala at (a previous abortion) clinic that had been twice destroyed by `unsolved' arson," and that "it's not an `if,' but a `when' that this new clinic is bombed that concerned him."
       Spielvogel also alleged in the affidavit that Cretul referred to a Birmingham, Alabama abortion mill bombing that killed one man and seriously wounded a nurse, and said it was "nothing compared to what will happen in Ocala." In other words, this was another case of an abortionist lying about pro-life violence in order to accomplish his goals. The prosecution's case centered on threats that Spielvogel claimed were made to him in a telephone call by county Commissioner Larry Cretul. According to Spielvogel, Cretul said it was not a matter of "if" but "when" Pendergraft's abortion facility would be bombed. Spielvogel admitted in court that he made up the remarks attributed to Cretul and that he faked a telephone conversation in front of Pendergraft so the abortionist would think that Cretul had made the threats.
       The affidavit went on to state that Pendergraft was in the room with Spielvogel when he allegedly spoke with Cretul, and could attest to Spielvogel's "terror and reaction."
       The criminal indictment alleges Pendergraft and Spielvogel repeated those statements in March 1998, in a letter to Virgil "Bill" Wright III, the attorney who represented the county in the civil case, and in an injunction demand filed days later in federal court.
       Spielvogel also allegedly repeated the comments about Cretul at a meeting in Wright's office in March 1998, at which time Pendergraft said he was present at Spielvogel's home during the alleged telephone conversation between Spielvogel and Cretul. At that meeting, Pendergraft and his attorney, Lucas, reportedly said they would "bankrupt Marion County, and would ask for a jury verdict of more than $100 million." Pendergraft added that "We will bankrupt the county. And I promise you I'll put a statue of myself, that Dr. Pendergraft brought freedom to Ocala."
       A federal grand jury indicted Pendergraft and Spielvogel on June 13, 2000, charging them with one count each of conspiracy to commit extortion, lying under oath and mail fraud. Spielvogel faces one additional count each of offering false testimony and making false statements to FBI investigators. He went on trial December 11th.
       Marti MacKenzie, Pendergraft's Orlando-based spokeswoman, sniveled that "From day one, Ocala was an extremely hostile environment, from the government to the fundamentalists. He [Pendergraft] will fight this battle as he has previous battles."
       Pendergraft uses advertising and marketing techniques, including highway billboards, so flamboyant they anger even his fellow abortion clinic owners. "He's as ruthless as I've ever seen," Susan Hill, president of the National Women's Health Organization, told Business Week magazine. "Everybody is really nervous about him," added Margaret Gifford, owner of a Tampa abortuary. Speaking about the fact that Pendergraft has opened five abortuaries in just five years she told Business Week, "When somebody opens that many clinics so fast, corners are going to be cut."
       Pro-abortionists vocally supported Pendergraft during his trial. Pendergraft himself whined that "For all people who perform abortion, this should be a serious wakeup call. It will send a chilling effect across the entire nation ... that something as scary as this can happen to anyone who is bringing a legitimate lawsuit." During Pendergraft's trial, pro-aborts hung a large balloon and pro-abortion banner outside his Ocala Women's Center abortion mill, which is near the federal courthouse on a main thoroughfare. The messages, including dozens of national and local pro-abortion signatories, read in part, "Stop attacking abortion providers. Dr. Pendergraft is innocent." Judge W. Terrell Hodges ordered the defense to remove these objects, saying "If this is an attempt to influence the jury, it has very serious consequences. How can that be interpreted, other than an attempt to influence the jury?" As the balloon and banners were taken down, pro-aborts sniveled that the judge was trampling on their First Amendment rights.
       The National Organization for Women (NOW) was particularly vocal in its support of Pendergraft, labeling his prosecution "government-sponsored harassment."
       NOW said Pendergraft was the victim of a network of local anti-abortion officials, and that the charges against the doctor "grew out of [his] civil suit against Marion County and the town of Ocala for their failure to protect employees and patients at his local facility." According to NOW, Pendergraft was "met with hostility from the start in Ocala." NOW also claimed that because of Pendergraft's December suit -- and the county's purposeful attempts to "prevent him from providing reproductive health services in the state" -- the county targeted him for reprisal.
       But Christian Communication Network Director Gary McCullough said NOW's only interest in the Pendergraft case stemmed from its attempts to further the abortion-rights cause. He said "Obviously, what they're saying is ... look, this guy's an abortionist and we need to come to his defense. It's a little sad from their perspective. It's an entirely political move. This is a criminal act he's charged with. Why is it that NOW all of a sudden says this is our great hero, this is a person who's being persecuted, when the charges [of extortion] aren't even related to his abortion clinics. It's definitely political."
       NOW officials wisely did not return telephone calls for comment.
       Tracy Stern, a representative of Refuse & Resist, a violent New York-based pro-abortion group, said that "By the government going ahead with this case, it's a clear indication that they are contributing to the intimidating climate against abortion providers."
       The judge was angered to find a packet of pro-abortion literature delivered to his chambers during a break toward the end of the proceedings one day. He scolded the defense attorneys for allowing a pro-abortion Pendergraft supporter to deliver the pamphlets. FBI agents and U.S. Marshals later surrounded a woman suspected of distributing the pro-abortion materials and chided her. "That's what you call federal-agent intimidation," she whined.
       Jacob Rose, one of Pendergraft's two lawyers, told the jury "You will see that Dr. Pendergraft is being persecuted for what he does. Pendergraft is not guilty of any wrongdoing, and those who are guilty are those who conspired to get him."
       On February 1, 2001, Pendergraft was convicted in federal court of all charges against him -- conspiracy, attempted extortion and mail fraud. He was sentenced to 46 months in prison. Spielvogel was convicted of the same charges, in addition to lying to the FBI and filing a false statement. He was sentenced to serve 41 months in prison. However, Senior U.S. District Judge William Terrell Hodges allowed both men to remain free until directed to report to a U.S. Marshal.
       Jurors deliberated eight hours over a two-day period before reaching their verdict in U.S. District Court. Neither Pendergraft nor Spielvogel showed any emotion when the verdicts were read. Pendergraft claimed that "I'm disappointed in the justice system as far as saying that I'm guilty, but I will continue to fight that and in the interim I will take care of women in their most difficult time."
       Predictably, Pendergraft's attorney, Jacob Rose, tried to get him off on a technicality. He said he would file a motion to acquit, citing prosecutorial misconduct by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Devereaux who told jurors that Pendergraft, who is black, was "shuckin' and jivin'" questions on the witness stand. Rose said that the remark was "racially offensive," which of course had nothing at all to do with the trial or the evidence itself.
       Looking for any excuse to get their client exonerated, Pendergraft's lawyers Jacob Rose and Larry Colleton then claimed federal prosecutors had a pro-life agenda and made a motion asking for a new trial. They wrote in their appeal that "The genesis of the prosecution was strong anti-abortion sentiment in Marion County." They also alleged "... outrageous government conduct counter to universal sense of justice," and that the trial itself had "an anti-abortion agenda driven by members of the community."
       Just two weeks after he was convicted of extortion, conspiracy and mail fraud in Federal court, Ladye Williamson sued Pendergraft and the Orlando Women's Center abortion mill, alleging Pendergraft failed to diagnose a pregnancy outside Williamson's uterus, and that he perforated her uterus during the second of two attempted abortions last April. The botched abortion led to an emergency hysterectomy, the lawsuit said.
       After the judge in the case denied Pendergraft's bail request, the abortionist whined that "He's had his mind made up for a long time," and said he is taking steps to see that his five abortion mills, including the Ocala Women's Center, remain open if he goes to prison. "The clinics will all remain open," he said.
       Pendergraft, who is Black, tried to play the race card in his desperate attempts to avoid responsibility for his actions. He claimed that, during the trial by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Devereaux, that Devereaux, who is White, made racist remarks in his closing argument by referring to Pendergraft as a man who "shucks and jives" when asked a question. Judge Hodges noted that Pendergraft's lawyers waited until the next day to object to the comment. The remark also did not strike him as racially motivated, Hodges wrote. "At the time the challenged statement was uttered by the prosecutor, it made no impression on me that it might be interpreted as a racial slur or racial stereotyping," he wrote, "otherwise I would have immediately interrupted with a heavy hand. Rather I understood the prosecutor merely to be suggesting that during cross examination the Defendant Pendergraft was evasive and sometimes deceptive, a perfectly valid argument." In a footnote to that statement, Hodges notes that he found at the May sentencing hearing "that the Defendant's deceptive (trial) testimony constituted an obstruction of justice." Hodges went on to discuss the origins of the phrase "shuck and jive," saying that it appears to be rooted in Black history, but "there is no reason to believe that the prosecutor intended his use of that expression as a racial stereotype." In another footnote, Hodges cited the lyrics of a 1978 song recorded by Art Garfunkel, "Mr. Shuck 'n' Jive," as an example of the phrase not having racial connotations. Hodges concludes that Devereaux didn't intend the phrase to be a racial remark, and that there was no reason to believe it prejudiced the jury against Pendergraft.
       In a decision issued July 17, 2001, 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Stanley F. Birch Jr. denied Pendergraft's request to remain free on bond during appeal. Pendergraft's lawyer, Bruce Rogow, said he would file an emergency motion today asking that a panel of three judges from the 11th Circuit reconsider Birch's ruling. Rogow said he was surprised and disappointed by Birch's decision, but still was hopeful about today's emergency review motion. "If I lose this motion, I will be very disappointed," he said. "I firmly believe that there are substantial issues here."
       Pendergraft spokeswoman Marti Mackenzie said once again that even if he goes to prison, Pendergraft is determined to keep all five of his abortion businesses operating, Mackenzie said. "There's no question about that," she said.
       Pendergraft's co-defendant, Michael Spielvogel, began serving his own 41-month sentence at a federal prison camp at Eglin Air Force Base near Fort Walton Beach in July 2001.
       Finally ending the saga, a three-judge panel of the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals rejected on July 25, 2001 a motion to allow Pendergraft to remain free on bond while he appeals his conviction on attempted extortion, conspiracy and mail fraud charges. He reported to a federal minimum-security prison camp in Atlanta to begin serving his sentence. Bruce Rogow said he was "surprised and disappointed" by the appellate court's refusal to allow Pendergraft to stay out of prison while he appeals his case. "We will continue to work to reverse the conviction and secure his release," Rogow said. Marti Mackenzie said "He has an extensive corporation set up, and nothing is going to change. He has doctors in place who have been working in the clinics a long time. ... "I know him to be a man of the utmost integrity. He has been, as far as I am concerned, slandered in the courtroom."
       As it turned out, Pendergraft strolled out of jail on February 20, 2002, having served less than seven months of his sentence, while his conviction was reviewed by a federal appeals court. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta issued an order directing the United States District Court in Ocala to order Pendergraft and Spielvogel freed pending the outcome of their appeals, subject to conditions to be set by the District Court. Senior U.S. District Judge William Terrell Hodges later issued an order that the two men be freed, subject to the same bond conditions they were under before trial.
       His publicist, Marti Mackenzie, boasted that "I think he will be back to work very quickly."
       "US News Roundup." LifeSite Daily News at http://www.lifesite.net, June 19, 2000; "Abortion Facility Owner Indicted on Extortion Charges." Steven Ertelt's Pro-Life Infonet at http://www.prolifeinfo.org/infonet.html, June 19, July 10, October 11, and November 30, 2000, and January 4, 5, 10, 14, 23, 25, and 28, and February 2, 6 and 16, 2001; Rick Cundiff. "Abortion Facility Owner Indicted on Extortion Charges." Florida Star-Banner June 18, 2000; "Abortion Practitioner Pleads Innocent to Extortion, Fraud." Orlando Sentinel, July 8, 2000; "Feds Indict Abortionist on Extortion Charges." NewsMax.com, October 9, 2000; BusinessWeek, October 9 and November 22, 2000; Mike Schneider. "Abortion Doctor Faces Charge." December 31, 2000. Downloaded from http://www.salon.com; "Abortionist on Trial in Florida for Extortion." Catholic World News Briefs at http://www.cwnews.com, January 2, 2001; "Jury Selected for FL Abortion Practitioner's Extortion Trial." Orlando Sun Sentinel, January 3, 2001; "Trial Starts in Abortion Practitioner's Extortion Case." Florida Sun Sentinel, January 4, 2001; Cheryl K. Chumley. "NOW Under Fire for Supporting Alleged Extortionist." CNS News at http://CNSNews.com, January 4, 2001; "Florida Abortion Practitioner's Extortion Trial Continues." Florida Star Banner, January 9, 2000; "Judge Refuses to Dismiss Abortion Practitioner's Extortion Charges." Associated Press, "Judge Deals Blow to Defense in Abortionists' Extortion Case." Florida Star-Banner, January 23, 2001; "Florida Abortion Practitioner Takes the Stand in Extortion Case." Florida Star-Banner, January 25, 2001; "Abortion Practitioner Convicted of Extortion." Associated Press, February 1, 2001; "Abortionist Convicted of False Bomb Threat Claims." Catholic World News Briefs at http://www.cwnews.com, February 2, 2001; "Abortion Practitioner Vows Extortion Verdict Won't Stop His Facilities." Orlando Sentinel, February 2, 2001; "Woman Sues Florida Abortion Practitioner for Malpractice, Botched Abortion." Associated Press; February 15, 2001; "Florida Abortionist Found Guilty of Extortion." The Wanderer, February 15, 2001 page 3; Celeste McGovern. "Lou Anne Herron and the Modern-Day Backstreet Butcher." Report Magazine [Canada], February 19, 2001; "Pendergraft's Lawyers Ask for New Trial." Associated Press, March 14, 2001; "Pendergraft's Lawyers Ask for New Trial." Pro-Life Infonet, March 15, 2001 (#2); "Florida Abortionist Sentenced." Catholic World News Briefs, May 28, 2001; "Abortion Practitioner Won't Get Bail on Extortion Appeal." Florida Star Banner, June 23, 2001; Pro-Life Infonet, June 24, 2001; "Abortion Practitioner Gets Prison Sentence for Extortion." Associated Press, May 24, 2001; Pro-Life Infonet, May 25, 2001; "Abortion Practitioner Pendergraft a Step Closer to Jail." Florida Star Banner, July 18, 2001; Pro-Life Infonet, July 22, 2001; Rick Cundiff. "Pendergraft Serves 46 Month Sentence." Florida Star Banner, July 27, 2001; "Doctor Convicted of Extortion Released from Prison on Appeal." The Florida Times-Union, February 27, 2002; "Abortionist Convicted of Extortion Released From Jail." Associated Press and the Ocala Star Banner, February 27, 2002; Pro-Life Infonet, February 28, 2002; Henry Pierson Curtis. "Doctor is Let Out of Prison, For Time Being." Orlando Sentinel, February 28, 2002.
back to top


Pensacola Area [Mary Esther] -- Attempted Murder (2 incidents), Stalking (5 incidents) and Harassment

       In September 1994, pro-abortionists tampered with Randy and Vicky Hinesley's car, loosening the lug nuts down to the last threads in the middle of the night. The following month, they tampered with the Hinesley's van, removing a tie rod, which is a part of the steering mechanism. This would have caused failure of the steering when the van was being driven.
       During the period 1991 to 1994, pro-abortionist Linda George stalked Randy Hinesley and several of his employees. Hinesley owns a maintenance company, so he and his employees go from site-to-site to do maintenance work. George learned where some of the sites were and sent pornographic material to the sites allegedly "courtesy" of Hinesley. Also, a large number porno subscriptions and mail-order merchandise items, including sex toys, showed up at the Hinesley home -- all charged to the Hinesleys. George also went to the Hinesley's home when she knew that nobody was there. She attempted to disguise herself with a trench coat, hood, and shades. She was arrested in Spring 1994.
       Randy Hinesley, telephone conversation with Lynn K. Murphy, Life Research Institute, December 31, 1994.


Pensacola Area [Fort Walton Beach] -- Attempted Murder

       In the Summer of 1991, Bob Brady, Randy and Vicky Hinesley, and the Hinesley's two children, ages 2 and 3, were picketing on a public sidewalk at the Family Planning, Inc. abortion mill. Pro-abortionist Robin Howser charged her car into these pro-lifers where the clinic driveway crossed the sidewalk. If Randy had not pushed the baby carriage out of the way, his children would have been crushed.
       Randy Hinesley, telephone conversation with Lynn K. Murphy, Life Research Institute, December 31, 1994.


Pensacola -- Pornography, Gambling, Fatal Botched Abortions (2 incidents), Illegal Drug Sales (2 incidents)

       Abortionist George Wayne Patterson was killed outside an adult porn theater he'd been frequenting regularly for years on August 20th, 1993. Patterson, who owned four abortion mills in Pensacola and Ft. Walton Beach in Florida, and in Bay City and Mobile in Alabama, was not only addicted to pornography and gambling, but was deeply in debt. He was also the defendant in several lawsuits: Two by the families of women who died after he attempted abortions on them, the other for a botched abortion. One of these women, Janyth Caldwell, died in 1986, about a month after Patterson attempted an abortion on her; she was scheduled to undergo a hysterectomy due to the botched abortion, but collapsed while waiting for the procedure and died during emergency surgery.
       The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF) expressed the suspicion that the firebombing of his Bay City Women's Medical Center abortion mill was "an inside job."
       Neighbors described the abortionist as "either mentally disturbed or on some sort of drug" and "the strangest man I've ever met in my life," due to his behavior, such as pacing outdoors at night while gesticulating and talking to himself, sitting in the parking lot alone at night talking to himself, and ranting "I trusted you! I trusted you!" in a stairwell while alone. A news article said that "The Midtown's lobby is permeated by the heavy smell of disinfectant and the sounds of moaning women."
       Patterson had been forced to close his abortion facility in Mississippi after two employees were arrested for illegally distributing drugs. After this incident, he surrendered his Mississippi Medical License and his federal license to dispense drugs. In 1985, a year before Janyth Caldwell's death due to one of his abortions, Patterson carried no medical malpractice insurance and had declared bankruptcy.
       Fort Walton Beach Daily News, August 29, 1993; Pensacola News Journal, August 24, 1993; "Slain Doctor Led Double Life." Mobile Daily News, August 29, 1993; Denver Post, August 24, 1993; Dallas Morning News, August 23, 1993; Paul Likoudis. "Investigators Cast a Wide Net to Find Abortionist's Murderer." The Wanderer, December 10, 1998, pages 1 and 10; "Slain Doctor Led Double Life." Mobile Daily News, August 29, 1993; and "Slain Doctor Led Double Life." The Abortion Injury Report, April 1995, page 1.


Pensacola Area [Fort Walton Beach] -- Assault (6 incidents)

       During a rescue at Family Planning, Inc., pro-abortionist Darryl Day came out of the clinic, shoved some of the pro-lifers, and punched an elderly woman. When pro-lifers videotaped Day, he struck Vicky Hinesley with his fist and destroyed her camera. Day tried to escape the scene; he got in his truck, and in his flight from the scene he ran over the ankles of a 17-year-old boy.
       Randy Hinesley, telephone conversation with Lynn K. Murphy, Life Research Institute, December 31, 1994.


Pensacola Area [Fort Walton Beach] -- Assault

       During a Life Chain, a pro-abortionist threw a broken soda bottle at a 74-year old man from a passing vehicle, striking him.
       October 10, 1994. Bennett Luke, telephone conversation with Lynn K. Murphy, Life Research Institute, December 7, 1994.


Pensacola -- Forced Abortion

       Nikki Schmitz, 33, who is white and was dating a black man, sued her employer, the Fisher-Pou Funeral Home, for discrimination, intentional infliction of emotional distress and invasion of privacy.
       On February 9, 2001, a jury found that supervisors at Fisher-Pou invaded Schmitz's privacy and subjected her to "extreme and outrageous" behavior. Schmitz was fired in 1995 from her job as a telemarketer for the funeral home because she dated a black man. During the trial, three former employees joined Schmitz in testifying that Fisher-Pou employees used racial slurs daily. Once supervisor badgered her to get an abortion because her preborn baby was biracial. Employees also testified that a former supervisor at the funeral home, Deborah Flanagan, arranged to borrow money from another person to pay for an abortion, drove Schmitz to the clinic where she had the abortion, then had Schmitz spend the night at her house. The defense argued that Flanagan was acting as Schmitz's friend in all of those efforts, and that Schmitz had the abortion at a time when she was trying to end an abusive relationship.
       The jury decided to award Schmitz $166,250 in compensatory damages and $300,000 in punitive damages.
       Associated Press. "Jury Awards $466,250 to Pensacola Woman in Abortion Lawsuit." Naples [Florida] Daily News, February 11, 2001; Associated Press. "Jury Awards Florida Woman in Coercive Abortion Case," February 11, 2001; Steven Ertelt's Pro-Life Infonet at http://www.prolifeinfo.org/infonet.html, February 11, 2001 (#2).


Pensacola -- Sexual Abuse and Drug Pushing

       Pensacola abortionist John Britton lost his medical license on two occasions, once for having sex with a former patient and once for selling huge quantities of controlled drugs to addicts.
       Report to Rescue America-National, July 29, 1994.


Pensacola -- Destruction of Property

       On the evening of September 14, 1994 two pro-lifers, Vicky Conroy and Sharon Glass, were parked near the Ladies Center abortuary. A policeman out of uniform, without showing identification, pulled a gun and a flashlight, and while shining the flashlight in Sharon's face, broke her car window. Charlie DeCosta of police internal affairs was very hostile when asked who the assailant was, but finally gave his name as Wayne Todd. DeCosta said that he had commended Todd for the way he handled the situation and said that every time she (Vicky) was out there, she could again expect the same. The police would not let the pro-lifers file a complaint.
       Vicky Conroy, letter to Lynn K. Murphy, November 17, 1994.


Pensacola -- Vandalism (3 incidents)

       On May 7, 1993, pro-abortionists desecrated the graves of two aborted children and destroyed the world-famous pro-life statue "Rachel Mourning." The head of the statue was knocked completely off its shoulders. An upside-down cross [a symbol of Satanism] was thrust into the ground.
       "Prayers for Unborn Ascend from Vandalized Memorial." Pensacola News Journal," May 9, 1993; "Pro-Life Leader John Burt Offers $5,000 Reward." Life Advocate, July 1993, page 23.
back to top


Port Charlotte -- Vehicular Assault

       Dr. Cyze, who owned a facility in which an abortion clinic was located, struck pro-life picketer Theresa Knight with his car in the presence of her two children.
       Theresa Knight, telephone conversation with Lynn K. Murphy, Life Research Institute, December 10, 1994.
back to top


Sarasota -- Assault (2 incidents)

       Rimae Blair was at Planned Parenthood's Sarasota abortion mill and became insanely angry when she saw pro-lifers peacefully picketing and sidewalk counseling there. She confronted John Zayet, tore the glasses from his face, and threw them across the street. Another sidewalk counselor, Jessica Case, saw this violence and began to take pictures of Blair attacking John Zayet. Blair then attacked Jessica, punching her in the mouth.
       On May 30, 2003, Blair was sentenced to three months probation, anger management class, 15 hours of community service and court costs for these attacks.
       Operation Save America. "Abortion Doctor, Matthew Kachinas, Guilty of Battery." Article downloaded from the Web site of Operation Save America at Directory http://www.operationsaveamerica.org.


Sarasota -- Assault and Death Threat

       On June 17, 2001, Rachel McGlade and Scott Heldreth and his three-year-old daughter went to the Sarasota Womens Health Center abortion mill to sidewalk counsel and pray. After being there just a short time, a young man and woman who obviously had just aborted their child, walked to their car. Scott called out to them. The young man ran over to Scott and began to curse and threaten him, and then punched him in the chest. Then he spat in Scott's face. His girlfriend begged him to stop the attack, and he went back to his car and got a sledgehammer from the trunk. He then held it over Scott's head and threatened to kill him if he did not "shut up," but Scott did not flinch. Nor did he "shut up."
       Once again, the girlfriend pleaded for him to stop the attack. He dropped the sledgehammer and punched Scott in the face several times. Scott did not resist or deflect his punches.
       Operation Save America. "Another Attack at the Sarasota (Florida) Women's Death Center." Article downloaded from the Web site of Operation Save America at Directory http://www.operationsaveamerica.org.


Sarasota -- Battery (2 counts) and Death Threat

       On Friday morning, December 27, 2002, abortionist Matthew J. Kachinas arrived at the Sarasota Womens Health Center abortion mill at 5025 North Tamiami Trail. Pro-lifer Linda McGlade, a mother of seven children, tried to preach the Gospel to him. Enraged, he exited his vehicle and walked up to within inches of Linda, then said several times "I'm going to kill you!" Then, in front of half a dozen witnesses, and with a video camera running, Kachinas drew his head back and delivered a head butt to Linda's forehead.
       Linda's son Keith quickly went to his mother's side to defend her. The abortionist tried to provoke Keith into a fight. He taunted him, saying "What are you going to do about it?" The abortionist then flicked the hat off of Keith's head and taunted and cursed him some more. When Keith did not take the bait, the abortionist jumped up and down on Keith's hat while screaming more obscenities. He then walked into his abortion mill.
       Police responded quickly and took reports, but the abortionist, of course, was not arrested. Even when Kachinas went to the police station and turned himself in, he was not arrested.
       Contrast this to the usual police attitude of "arrest first, ask questions later" when applied to pro-lifers.
       In June 2003, Kachinas was found guilty of battery. Immediately after Sarasota's Chief County Judge Logalbo pronounced the sentence upon the abortionist, which included extensive psychiatric evaluation "due to the violence and the fact that he has people's lives in his hands daily," he was fingerprinted and booked in front of a packed gallery of spectators. During his trial, Kachinas lied obviously and flagrantly many times. Noting Kachinas' professional position and his "less than forthright" statements, Judge Logalbo issued a sentence which far exceeded the sentence asked for by the prosecution. Along with the psychiatric evaluations and completion of all recommended treatments, including an anger management program, Kachinas was placed on one year probation in addition to a $1,000 fine and court costs. Incredibly, even the abortionist's lawyer admitted afterwards that he believed the pro-life witnesses over the testimony of his own client!
       "Violence Erupts at Abortion Mill." Operation Save America press release dated December 29, 2002; "Abortion Doctor, Matthew Kachinas, Guilty of Battery." Downloaded from the Web site of Operation Save America at http://www.operationsaveamerica.org on September 22, 2003.
back to top


Tallahassee -- Death Threats (23 incidents), Harassment and Vandalism (4 incidents)

       Carole Griffin is president of Tallahassee Right to Life. During the Summer of 1988, pro-abortionists carried out a systematic campaign of terror and intimidation against her. They ruined the paint on her car with corrosive chemicals, and shot out the windows of her car and her home. One pro-abortion man telephoned 19 death threats to her house. Near to her office a vandal wrote "Die you scum." At least three times during the Summer of 1988, someone left poisonous snakes in her swimming pool and in her home.
       Carole Griffin, telephone conversation with Lynn K. Murphy, Life Research Institute, December 2, 1994.


Tallahassee -- Assault with a Deadly Weapon (ADW)

       In 1987, a `clinic defender' attacked pro-life picketer Carole Griffin with a rotary gasoline-powered lawn mower, threatening to shove the whirling steel blades into her face.
       Carole Griffin, telephone conversation with Lynn K. Murphy, Life Research Institute, December 2, 1994.


Tallahassee -- Assault (4 incidents)

       In 1987, A pro-abortionist ripped a picket sign from the hands of a pro-life pastor, tore the stick off it, and beat the pastor with the stick. When police tried to arrest the pro-abortionist, the pro-abortionist and two other pro-abortionists attacked the police. The pro-abortionists charged the police with police brutality.
       Carole Griffin, telephone conversation with Lynn K. Murphy, Life Research Institute, December 2, 1994.


Tallahassee -- Assault and Destruction of Property

       In November of 1986, police, without warning or provocation, attacked peaceful pro-life picketers (picketers, not rescuers!), beating them and smashing their video cameras.
       Chicago Suburban Rescue (CSR) news release, August 21, 1993.
back to top


Tampa/St. Petersburg -- First-Degree Murder, Kidnapping, Sexual Abuse, Assault, Escape, Forcible Sodomy and Death Threat

       In October 1995, Joseph Peck beat and murdered his 25-year-old wife Jennifer, who was four months pregnant, because she refused to have an abortion. He stuffed her body into the trunk of her car at the Clique Lounge, a strip joint, on North Dale Mabry.
       Homicide detective Greg Stout said that "We believe that because his wife had become pregnant and would not get an abortion, that he began making threats to her. And we do have documented evidence that he had physically threatened to kill her if she did not get an abortion."
       Joseph Peck was in an Oklahoma prison, and served six years of a fifteen-year sentence for kidnapping and sodomizing a 16-year-old girl. That term was to end in May 2002, but Tampa police requested he be held until they could file the first-degree murder charge for his wife's death. He was indicted on first-degree murder charges by a Hillsborough County grand jury on June 26, 2002.
       Detectives had always considered Peck the prime suspect in his wife's death. He had reported her missing, saying he last saw her when she dropped him off at Tampa International Airport for a trip to Oklahoma to visit relatives. Detective Greg Stout said "We actually were in his prison cell in March [2002] and he had a book on his shelf called Living Easy in Mexico. That wasn't lost on us."
       Joseph Peck served prison time in 1985 and 1986, including a portion of a 15-year sentence for stabbing a prison guard with a sharpened broom handle in an escape.
       On September 1, 2003, a jury found Peck guilty of the murder of his wife.
       "Husband Charged With Wife's Murder." 28 News [Tampa, Florida], June 25, 2002; "State Man Charged in Wife's Murder in Florida: Peck Waives Extradition." ChannelOklahoma, June 26, 2002; Vickie Chachere, The Associated Press. "Man Goes on Trial Today in Death of Pregnant Wife." Orlando Sentinel, September 2, 2003; "Tampa Jury Convicts Oklahoma Man in Pregnant Wife's Murder." Tampa Herald Tribune, September 16, 2003; "Man Convicted of Killing Pregnant Wife Who Refused Abortion." Steven Ertelt's LifeNews at http://www.lifenews.com, September 10, 2003; Joshua Pace. "Pursuing a Killer Pays Off After Seven Years" and "Family Finally Finds Solace When Murderer Charged With Woman's Death." The Norman Transcript, KOCO Television [Oklahoma City, Oklahoma] October 5 and 6, 2003.


Tampa/St. Petersburg Area [Sarasota] -- Attempted Murder and Assault (5 incidents)

       During the period 1991-1993, cowardly pro-abortionists attacked 75-year old John Hungerman five times, taunting him, breaking eggs over his head, and throwing various objects at him. In the most severe of these incidents, the pro-abortionists tried to kill Hungerman. On May 12, 1994, At the Sarasota Womens Health Center abortion mill, a pro-abortionist drove his car up onto the sidewalk and attempted to run him down.
       Operation Rescue National, Violence and Disruption Report, December 4, 1994. John Hungerman, telephone conversation with Lynn K. Murphy, Life Research Institute, December 11, 1994.


Tampa/St. Petersburg -- Forced Abortion, Embezzlement, Theft and Fraud

       According to a lawsuit filed on December 6, 2001 in Broward Circuit Court, Seminole Tribe of Florida Chairman James E. Billie and his former operations manager, Tim Cox, of falsifying payroll records in order to pay $169,000 to "buy the silence" of Christine O'Donnell. O'Donnell, a 17-year Seminole employee who became a $100,000-a-year tribal administrator, claims Billie coerced her into frequent sexual relations, got her pregnant, forced her to get an abortion, and then fired her. The complaint also alleges that Billie and Cox conspired to divert $72,000 in unused sick time to Billie in violation of tribal rules, which do not allow employees to sell unused sick time back to the tribe.
       According to a September letter filed by the tribe with the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Billie is the target of a federal grand jury investigation involving allegations of embezzlement and theft of federal grant money. Audit results led the tribe to file two lawsuits: One in October 2001 accusing Billie and Cox of a stock manipulation scheme that drained the tribal treasury of $20-million, and a second, filed in December 2001, over alleged misappropriation of sick time money. The latest lawsuit states Billie and Cox destroyed tribal records and falsified documents to produce a $100,000 severance package as hush money for O'Donnell.
       At the time of her termination, O'Donnell was entitled to just one hour of sick pay as severance. But Billie and Cox caused phony records to be created giving O'Donnell 2,764 hours -- or 345 days -- of unused sick leave, resulting in a check for $100,000, according to the lawsuit. The payout, after Social Security and other deductions, was much lower than $100,000, the suit says, so Cox had a replacement check prepared which fraudulently adjusted O'Donnell's rate of pay upward so she would receive a net severance check of $100,000. The final check delivered to O'Donnell, dated October 30, 2000, was in excess of $169,000. Neither O'Donnell's severance check nor the $72,000 check for unused sick time to Billie were approved by tribal council members, the lawsuit says.
       Jeff Testerman. "Tribe Sues Ousted Chief Over Sick Pay." St. Petersburg Times, December 8, 2001.


Tampa/St. Petersburg -- Attempted Forced Abortion and Extortion (3 incidents)

       Nicholas William Griffin admitted in federal court that he tried to force his Stetson University College of Law classmate to abort their pregnancy after their law-school romance soured. He threatened to distribute a video of him and her having sex unless she aborted their child. He pleaded guilty to using the mail and the telephone to commit extortion. Griffin had two friends mail the 38-year-old woman the video and make threatening calls warning the tape would be sent to her family, friends and employer. The two friends also pleaded guilty.
       Circuit Judge Richard A. Lazzara sentenced Griffin to 250 hours of community service, 10 months' house arrest and 5 years probation. The two men who conspired with Griffin to have his child killed, James Dunlap Allen III of Jacksonville and Jeffrey Scott Allen of Winston-Salem, N.C., were each given 5 years probation. "I lost my job because of this, and I am raising my infant single-handedly," the girlfriend said. "Although (Griffin) helped conceive this baby, he wanted me to kill her ... The defendant shows no remorse. He is a man with no honor and no integrity." Assistant U.S. Attorney Ken Lawson called Griffin's behavior "nasty, vile and disgusting," and said "Someone needs to put honor into this man's heart."
       "Man Blackmails Woman for Abortion." Steven Ertelt's Pro-Life Infonet at http://www.prolifeinfo.org/infonet.html, November 6, 1998; "Conspiracy to Kill Receives Slap on Wrist." Pro-Life E-News, February 8, 1999; Miami Herald, February 7, 1999; "Man Given Probation in Coercive Abortion Case." Pro-Life Infonet, February 8, 1999; "Conspiracy to Kill Receives Slap on Wrist." LifeSite Daily News at http://www.lifesite.net, February 8, 1999; Post-Abortion Review, January-March 2000.


Tampa/St. Petersburg Area [Sarasota] -- Stalking

       On March 14, 1994, pro-abortionists Robert Thrasher and Albert London, heavily armed with loaded and cocked submachine guns, shotguns, Mace, and semi-automatic pistols, spent several hours photographing and videotaping pro-life protesters at the Sarasota Womens Health Center abortion mill. Abortionist W. Phillip Keene confirmed that the men were just "doing a favor" for him.
       Rick Barry, The Tampa Tribune, March 29, 1994; Sarasota Police Services Bureau, "Offense Incident Report," March 18, 1994; "Duo With Arsenal Watch Pro-Life Picketers. Machine Guns Apparently "What the Doctor Ordered."" Life Advocate, May 1994, page 19.


Tampa/St. Petersburg Area [Sarasota] -- Assault and Battery

       On May 10, 1994, at the Sarasota Womens Health Center abortion mill, `escort' Judy Kulman attacked pro-life picketer John Lightner, hitting him and breaking his sign.
       Operation Rescue National, Violence and Disruption Report, December 4, 1994.


Tampa/St. Petersburg Area -- Drug Diversion

       A Florida court affirmed that abortionist Harold Ticktin was "a danger to the health, safety, and welfare of the state." He had had his medical license suspended in an alleged drug-diversion scheme. The Florida medical board disciplined him in 1987 for a criminal conviction or plea of guilty, nolo contendere, or no contest to a crime. His New York medical license was suspended for 12 months in 1988 and revoked in Florida in 1988.
       St. Petersburg Times, May 12, 1988; and Tampa Bay and State, February 9, 1992.
back to top


Palm Beach/West Palm Beach -- Aggravated Child Abuse, Death Threat, and Aggravated Assault with a Firearm

       On August 1, 2000, Glenda Diane Dowis attempted to force her 16-year-old daughter, Brittany Dowis, to have an abortion. Brittany had become pregnant by 23-year-old Jeffrey Watson, who said he wanted to support her and keep the baby. However, the mother cut off all communication between them and threatened to charge Watson with statutory rape. The mother threatened that she would beat Brittany until she miscarried if she refused to kill her preborn child.
       Finally, Dowis pointed the pistol at the girl's belly and said "You're going to have it, you're going to have the abortion, or I'm going to kill you," and then drove her 67 miles to the Aware Woman abortion mill, just Southwest of West Palm Beach.
       When they got to the abortion clinic, Dowis told a nurse in the waiting room, "If my daughter doesn't have this abortion, I�m going to blow her brains out."
       Brittany wrote on a form that her mother was forcing to have an abortion, and the abortuary staff intervened and called the police, who arrested her and charged her with one count of false imprisonment and one count of domestic assault. They confiscated a loaded .38-caliber revolver from her car and noted that the girl's mother had scheduled the appointment at the abortuary.
       On August 4th, Palm Beach County Circuit Judge Nelson Bailey dropped the false imprisonment and domestic assault charges at the request of the State Attorney's Office, and then turned her over to St. Lucie County authorities, who issued warrants charging her with aggravated child abuse and aggravated assault with a firearm.
       Predictably, pro-aborts milked the incident for all it was worth. Lillian Tamayo, CEO of Planned Parenthood of Palm Beach County and the Treasure Coast area, said that parental notification "does nothing to stop teen pregnancy and abortion. The visual image of a mother holding a daughter at gunpoint to have an abortion is equally as reprehensible as mother holding a daughter at gunpoint to have a baby. "Laws mandating parental consent or notification just lead to more out-of-wedlock babies, more children in foster care and less parental involvement."
       Dowis was not given any jail time after pleading no contest to aggravated assault and child abuse, both third-degree felonies, on January 7, 2001. Her daughter refused to cooperate since she did not want her mother jailed. Dowis was sentenced to two years of house arrest and three years probation. She will not have a criminal record, as part of the plea-bargain.
       Antigone Barton. "Girl Says Mom Tried to Force Her Into Abortion." Palm Beach Post, August 2, 2000; "Mother Arrested for Taking Daughter to Abortionist at Gunpoint." Catholic World News Briefs at http://www.cwnews.com, August 2, 2000; United Press International. "Mother Charged with Forcing Abortion." August 3, 2000; "Mom Faces New Charges After Threatening Daughter to Have Abortion." Florida Sun-Sentinel, August 3, 2000; "Woman Charged With Imprisonment in Forced Abortion Case." Steve Ertelt's Pro-Life Infonet at http://www.prolifeinfo.org, August 3, 2000; Steve Friess. "Clinic Turned in Mother Who was Forcing Daughter, 16, to Have an Abortion." Florida Sun-Sentinel, August 3, 2000; "Police Charge Mother for Using Gun to Force Her Daughter to Abort." LifeSite Daily News at http://www.lifesite.net, August 3, 2000; Karin Meadows, Associated Press. "Some Charges Dropped Against Mother Who Threatened Daughter to Have Abortion." Florida Sun-Sentinel, August 4, 2000; Steve Friess. "Mother Barred from Seeing Pregnant Teen After Threatening to Kill Her." Florida Sun-Sentinal, August 6, 2000; "Mother Accused of Forcing Daughter to Abortion Clinic Released." Associated Press, August 6, 2000; "Update on Mom Who Tried to Force Daughter to Abort at Gunpoint." LifeSite Daily News, August 8, 2000; Jeni Brock Steele. "Mom Who Tried to Force Daughter into Abortion Escapes Jail Time." Florida Sun-Sentinel, January 6, 2001; "Woman in Forced Abortion Case Gets No Jail Time." Associated Press, January 6, 2000; "Woman in Forced Abortion Case Gets No Jail Time." Pro-Life Infonet, January 7, 2001; "No Jail for Trying to Force Daughter's Abortion at Gunpoint." LifeSite Daily News, January 8, 2001.

Palm Beach/West Palm Beach -- Forced Abortion and Malpractice

       On March 29, 1997, a young mother went to the Aware Woman Center for Choice for an abortion.
       Soon after the abortion began, she felt piercing pain in her abdomen. She begged the abortionist to stop. She yelled "Call an ambulance! Take me to the hospital!" The abortionist, William P. Egherman, refused. When she tried to get up, Egherman ordered his assistants to hold her down. Four pairs of hands gripped Jane's arms and legs, rendering her immobile, and continued the abortion. She was eventually taken by ambulance to an emergency room where it was discovered that Egherman had perforated her uterus and lacerated her colon. Follow-up surgery was required to remove her now-dead baby and repair her internal organs.
       The young woman, known in court documents as "Jane Doe," filed suit against Egherman and the owners of the abortion mill, charging that their actions violated the Freedom of Access of Clinic Entrances Act (FACE).
       The Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals agreed that FACE could also be used against people who force women to have abortion. It wrote "If the defendants restrained Roe for the purpose of preventing her from obtaining any [reproductive health services], then she has adequately pleaded a violation of FACE."
       The Eleventh Circuit also ruled that a woman suing for an unwanted abortion can remain anonymous.
       Michael Hirsh of Kennesaw, Georgia, the lead attorney in the groundbreaking case of Jane Roe II v. Aware Woman Center For Choice, Inc., said that "We are most pleased that the Court has allowed my client to retain her cloak of anonymity. It was surprising that representatives of the abortion industry sought to strip away my client's privacy. It's just the opposite of what they've been saying for 28 years."
       In summary, the pro-abortionists only believe in the "right to privacy" when it is to their advantage.
       Jane Roe II vs. Aware Woman Center for Choice, Inc., a Florida corporation, Edward W. Windle, Jr., Patricia B. Windle, and William P. Egherman, M.D., United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit, No. 00-10231, filed June 8, 2001; "About FACE." Population Institute Weekly Briefing, August 7, 2001 [Volume 3, Number 20]; "Victim of Forced Abortion Can Remain Anonymous, Says the U.S. Court of Appeals." Press Release dated August 9, 2001, from Chris Sapp, Esq.


Palm Beach/West Palm Beach -- Gross Malpractice and Incompetence

       Abortionist Robert Michael Livingston became popular for his tearful tale of a teen patient whose death he witnessed in 1959 from a botched illegal abortion prompted him to champion the legalization of abortion.
       A restaurant owner called the police in October 1992 when he caught Livingston putting ten fetuses and some bags of medical waste in his restaurant dumpster. Livingston said the restaurant owner was lying: "I wouldn't believe him if his tongue were notarized," and said he was just taking out ordinary trash.
       The abortionist and his partner, Stephen Jaffe, were indicted in 1975 for arranging an illegal adoption.
       Livingston's New Jersey medical license was suspended in 1983 "after the death of an infant whose mother received prenatal care from a midwife Livingston employed." The Florida medical board put him on probation in 1985 over the New Jersey board action.
       Other suits alleged that he used intoxicants, employed unlicensed persons to perform work which legally may be done only by licensed persons, gross malpractice, and professional incompetency.
       Palm Beach Post, October 23 and November 2, 1992; and Boca Raton News, October 18 and November 2, 1992.
back to top
Return To State By State Documentation
© 2003 Abortion Violence