Obstetrics Abortion

Operation Rescue Wikipedia

Operation Rescue is a controversial Christian anti-choice organization, founded in the United States by Randall Terry in 1986.

In 1991, Wichita, Kansas became the location of an event called "Summer of Mercy". More people were probably arrested at this location that summer than any other coordinated acts of civil disobedience in American history. Towards the end of the summer a rally of 30,000 gathered at Shocker Stadium to oppose women's legal right to abortion.

The group organizes public protests and prayer vigils in front of women's health clinics where abortions are performed and public places, around the country. They are well known for their use of graphic symbolism in public protest of abortion rights, for campaigns directed at individuals involved in the facilitation of abortion, and their advocacy of civil disobedience in opposition to abortion rights. Other leaders of the group have included Joseph Foreman (campaigner)|Joseph Foreman, Keith Tucci, and Troy Newman.

On August 10, 1995, Norma McCorvey -- who was "Jane Roe" in the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision -- announced that she was a member of Operation Rescue, and had converted to Christianity as a result of having repeated contact with Operation Rescue since she worked near its headquarters office.

The organization has been involved in a lawsuit with the National Organization of Women and several abortion clinics since 1988. The suit alleged violations of the RICO (law)|RICO (anti-racketeering) laws. Those claims were dismissed by the Supreme Court of the United States, but as of 2005, the case is still unsettled. See NOW v. Scheidler for more information.

Last Modified:   2005-12-23