Small Fire Set Inside Indianapolis Abortion Business

National   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Sep 8, 2003   |   9:00AM   |   WASHINGTON, DC

Small Fire Set Inside Indianapolis Abortion Business

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
September 8, 2003

Indianapolis, IN (LifeNews.com) — As reported by the Associated Press, three women who entered a Planned Parenthood abortion facility in Indianapolis are suspected in a small fire that was set inside the building.

The women, visiting the abortion business in eastern Indianapolis on Saturday, entered as either patients or companion to patients. They are suspected in setting two fires inside a trashcan and cardboard box.

The fires occurred at about 2:30 PM Saturday afternoon and caused an estimated $2,000 in damage.

The woman, who were apparently from Lafayette, Indiana, left before authorities arrived. One was a teenager.

Ironically, Planned Parenthood’s own privacy policies are interfering with the investigation into the arson attempt.

Planned Parenthood withholds the names of clients, even from police in investigations. The abortion business says its policy emanates from the federal Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996.

Betty Cockrum, president of Planned Parenthood of Indiana, says confidentiality is needed for women who obtain abortions.

However, city investigators may file a court order to request the information.

Indiana Right to Life condemned the fire as a senseless act of violence.

"Indiana Right to Life has always condemned illegal activity against abortion providers and this case is no exception," executive director Mike Fichter told LifeNews.com. "We will continue to encourage pro-life people in Indiana to work peacefully and within the law to restore the sancity of life and to provide women with positive alternatives to abortion."