They may no longer be able to halt construction, but those troubled by a new abortion center in Northeast Portland hope they can re-build hearts.
“We want to reach out to women so this place goes out of business for lack of customers,” said Paul Ostermann, a member of nearby Holy Rosary Parish. He and about 20 others stood vigil in the dark one night last week, praying a rosary across the street from the big machinery and foundations of a large Planned Parenthood clinic and office.
“I’m here as a sign that there are many of us who feel this does not belong here in this neighborhood or anywhere in this state,” Ostermann said. “We are going to keep trying to make our voices heard as long as it takes.”
A woman drove by and asked what the gathering was about. Ostermann explained and invited her to join. She seemed sympathetic, but zoomed away into the darkness.
The group — adults, children and one Boston terrier — prayed intrepidly with candles. They presented presented a glow to motorists, one of whom honked a long blast of derision.
“We pray the women entering this abortion clinic feel love and healing from us,” Christina DeGoede told the group.
DeGoede is coordinator of a 40-day vigil that is continuing at the site, at the corner of Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard and Beech Street.
An all-day rally was held Saturday at the construction site.
“Our goal is not to destroy those at Planned Parenthood and all of their supporters; our goal is to convert them with our peaceful presence and constant prayer,” says Bill Diss. He is a public high school teacher and Holy Rosary parishioner who for two years has led a movement aimed at thwarting abortions and what he considers Planned Parenthood’s messages that promote promiscuity.
The 40 Days for Life peaceful vigils are part of a nationwide campaign at abortion sites. Organizers say they have saved 13 babies so far this year through their witness.
Another vigil, this one even smaller, caught the attention of Oregonians this month. Fourteen people gathered on the steps of the Oregon Capitol in Salem March 12 and voiced protest over state funding of abortion.
The Oregon Health Plan, the state’s health insurance for the needy, pays for abortion. More than $3 million is expected to go out in the next two years for about 8,000 abortions.