Planned Parenthood Labels Several Pro-Life Groups "Terrorists" on Abortion 
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by Kevin Holtsberry
July 19, 2006
LifeNews.com Note: Kevin Holtsberry is a blogger and not a terrorist.
At a time when terrorism is a global threat and has more than few people worried about a regional war in the Middle East, the folks at Planned Parenthood have apparently checked their common sense at the door. Shocking, I know.
I don’t really want to get into another extensive argument about abortion. Nor am I trying to foment some false outrage. But I think the way Planned Parenthood communicates on its website is shameful and symbolic of their mindset.
On their website they are comfortable labeling pro-life and pro-family organizations as "terrorists and extremists." They apparently miss the irony of a group that advocates the killing of unborn children under any and all circumstances – and all sorts of other, shall we say, non-mainstream opinions – calling their political opposition terrorists and extremists.
Currently (I have a screenshot for future reference) they have on their website a section called “Eye on Extremism.” On that page, there is a heading entitled “Terrorists and Extremist Organizations.”
Now, you might be thinking what does terrorism have to do with “family planning?” Or perhaps you are thinking that this section will provide links to those fringe, or little known, groups that actually support violence against abortion providers, etc. Feeling charitable you might expect that this section provides links to actual terrorists of some sort; or at the least extremist organizations.
Nope. All the link contains are “Profiles of 15 Anti-Choice Organizations.” That’s right. Under a heading of “Terrorists and Extremist Organizations” you have listed the following groups (among others):
Christian Coalition
Concerned Women for America
Eagle Forum
Family Research Council
Feminists for Life of America
Focus on the Family
You may disagree with the agendas and rhetoric of these organizations – even vehemently disagree. You may think that their agenda is bad and harmful for America. But is simply escapes the bounds of reason to label these groups as terrorists. The fundamental key being that they don’t advocate the use of violence as a political tool.
I would argue that the extremism charge is a rather significant stretch given the widespread support for these organizations, and the viewpoints the represent, throughout the country. When a plurality, if not a majority, of people hold views it becomes hard to describe them as extremest. It doesn’t make them right, but it means they are solidly within the mainstream of public opinion.
Given the millions of voters who subscribe to the views advocated by these organizations – do you remember the last election perchance? – it is more likely that the views of Planned Parenthood would be viewed as extremist then vice versa.
Again, it is not my intention to throw down a gigantic “gotcha” about this heading or to over-emphasize its importance. It is simply a ridiculous instance of hyperbole. I think it is inappropriate and beneath what a reputable organization would post on its website.
But I do think it is symbolic of the near worship of abortion that groups like Planned Parenthood espouse. To them, “anti-choice” organizations are terrorists and extremists; political opposition to abortion is a threat to their very way of life. It is all or nothing for them. Again, the fact that these groups are defending the helpless and choosing to err on the side of life means nothing to Planned Parenthood.
Thankfully, I don’t believe this rhetoric or mindset is a successful one. It may help raise money and focus the attention of the die hard true believers, but I can’t see that it is going to win over the so called mushy middle. I think the average American is likely to be turned off by over-the-top rhetoric and the equating of your political opposition with terrorism.
So shame on Planned Parenthood for their lack of common sense and good taste. A free piece of advice: if you want to alienate most of the country, keep up the over-heated rhetoric and complete lack of good faith.
