Charlotte shuts up anti-abortion group

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--Pro-choice protesters converged on one of the downtown abortion clinics on July 24 to defend it from the anti-abortion group Operation Save America (OSA).

The OSA was holding a week of protests in Charlotte during its national conference, and had been out every day of the week. But pro-choice activists were out all week, too, confronting the bigots and defending the clinic.

On Saturday, the week of organizing paid off when 70 pro-choice protesters turned out. Before the OSA even arrived, our side was set up so that when their SUVs arrived, they immediately turned around and left.

As we were wrapping up for the day, one of the clinicians, who supported the protesters with water and food, came up and said that it was the first time in eight years that patients and clinicians hadn't felt embattled or fearful, but felt at peace carrying on their work.

Operation Save America will be back without a doubt, but our side will continue to shut them up and shut them down.