Supporters back Carhart

Dr. LeRoy Carhart and leaders from abortion rights groups spoke at his clinic this morning, praising the efforts of supporters.

Carhart stood outside his Bellevue clinic and beside a large photograph of his friend, Dr. George Tiller, a Kansas physician who performed late-term abortions and was killed May 31.

Carhart thanked his supporters, some of whom already lined the sidewalks in front of the clinic ahead of Saturday morning's planned demonstration by anti-abortion groups.

"Women of America need to stand up for their rights," he said.

Abortion opponents plan to protest in front of Carhart's Bellevue clinic on Saturday, at the same time some 150,000 people are expected to be traveling to an air show at the nearby Offutt Air Force Base.

Bellevue police are closing some roads, rerouting traffic and preparing measures to assure a peaceful demonstration.

Demonstrators from Operation Rescue, Rescue the Heartland and Nebraskans United for Life plan to pray in front of Carhart's clinic, 1002 W. Mission Ave., and approach women arriving for scheduled abortions, said Cheryl Sullenger, Operation Rescue's senior policy adviser.

She said the number of protesters could fluctuate. "These things are totally unpredictable."

Carhart became the target of a national anti-abortion campaign when he said he would offer third trimester abortions temporarily at the Abortion and Contraception Clinic of Nebraska in Olde Towne Bellevue. He said he would perform the abortions there until he could open a clinic elsewhere in the Midwest.

Previously, when women sought abortions past the 22nd week of pregnancy, Carhart referred them to Tiller in Wichita, Kan. Tiller was fatally shot May 31 in the church he attended.

Several national and local abortion rights organizations, including the National Organization for Women, plan to counterprotest Saturday on the sidewalk in front of the clinic. They also plan to shield arriving patients from the anti-abortion demonstrators.

"We will be there to provide security and help defend the clinic," said Tiffany Campbell, a spokeswoman for the National Organization for Women.

Campbell said the abortion rights demonstrators would not leave the scene until those who oppose abortions depart.

Sullenger said Operation Rescue also plans to hold a rally today at 7 p.m. at a hall at St. Cecilia Cathedral in Omaha, where speakers will encourage Nebraska's anti-abortion community. It was unclear who gave permission for the group to use the space.

Sullenger was convicted of conspiring to bomb a San Diego clinic in 1988.

The Rev. Michael Gutgsell, rector of St. Cecilia Cathedral, said the Saint Cecilia Institute for Laity Formation, which uses a building on the cathedral's property and is separate from the parish, was responsible. That group, however, said Operation Rescue was not having a meeting there.

Gutgsell did not return later phone calls.

Members of the National Organization for Women met Thursday night at the First Unitarian Church in Omaha.

The Rev. Kate Rohde said the First Unitarian Church, whose national church body supports abortion rights, offered space to the group because members within the church feel strongly about abortion rights.

The demonstrations outside the Bellevue clinic are scheduled to begin about 8 a.m. Saturday.

Bellevue police will show a strong presence with help from federal, state and several metro-area agencies. Parts of Mission Avenue, Bert Murphy Boulevard, Fort Crook Road and Harlan Lewis Road will be closed.

Offutt is encouraging those who will be going to the air show to use free shuttles from Southroads Mall, Bellevue University, Bellevue East High School and Bellevue West High School.

Representatives from both sides said they want a nonviolent demonstration.

"We are not using profanity, not yelling, not engaging with the opposite side at all," said Campbell of NOW. "Anyone who does will be asked to leave."

Sullenger said the tone of the anti-abortion side will be prayerful and peaceful.

Contact the writer:

444-1022, katie.fretland@owh.com

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