Vandalism of California pregnancy center was a cowardly act. Find a better way to protest
If we have to say it until we’re blue in the face, we will.
Vandalism is never OK — not when it’s a random act with no apparent motive, and not when it’s committed in the name of a cause, as was the case with last weekend’s trashing of the Tree of Life Pregnancy Support Center in the Central Community of Paso Robles.
The Tree of Life did not respond to our questions, so we can only imagine how terrifying it must have been to be targeted in such a way.
According to police, vandals broke into the center early Saturday morning, smashed several windows and spray-painted walls with anarchist symbols and the initials “JR” — an apparent reference to Jane’s Revenge.
Jane’s Revenge has been described as everything from a shadowy, far-left terrorist group to an anonymous collective that supports abortion rights through militant action.
Over the past few weeks — starting when the controversial Roe v. Wade decision was leaked — the organization has taken responsibility for vandalizing crisis pregnancy centers in several states.
It’s been targeting centers that typically offer counseling, support and in some cases, free medical care to pregnant women.
In a Twitter message, Jane’s Revenge describes them as “religious, fake clinic(s).”
“They lie to shame and manipulate people into not getting abortions,” the message continued. It was posted following a vandalism spree at a center in Des Moines, Iowa.
But vandalism is not a righteous form of protest.
It’s an immature act of aggression that, if anything, engenders sympathy, in this case, for those working in the anti-abortion movement who would take away women’s right to control what happens to their bodies.
It is true that violence directed at abortion clinics and providers has been infinitely worse.
According to the Department of Justice, since 1993 10 people employed at abortion clinics have been murdered “in incidents motivated by anti-abortion animus.”
But violence from one side should not justify a similar response from the other. This cannot be allowed to devolve into an eye-for-eye situation.
There are other, more effective and, dare we say, honorably American ways to protest.
Here are some suggestions from pro-choice organizations:
Take it to the ballot box and vote for pro-choice candidates. Also, encourage others to vote.
Donate to abortion funds and/or to legal organizations fighting for abortion access. You could also consider a donation to pro-choice political candidates in other states.
Join a peaceful protest or a march.
Share your opinion on social media.
Tell your personal story.
Volunteer to help women who are traveling from out-of-state for abortions.
Stay informed.
Here’s what is not on the list: Breaking into buildings. Smashing windows. Defacing walls. Threatening violence.
No matter how angry, disgusted or frustrated you are by the Supreme Court’s decision, there are better ways to express that. Find one that works for you.
This story was originally published June 30, 2022 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Vandalism of California pregnancy center was a cowardly act. Find a better way to protest."