GP Planned Parenthood REopens
In this article, Aniko talks about the controversial Grants Pass Planned Parenthood vandalism and highlights the most recent information regarding the case.
The Planned Parenthood in Grants Pass ReOpens After Vandalism
By Aniko LaFrance-Hernandez
Image by The Nation
Planned Parenthood is an organization that allows for free, safe, non-judgmental health services to people of all genders, sexualities, and ethnicities. Their website states that they have been around the U.S. for more than 100 years, allowing people to feel comfortable with seeking help. The organization supports its patients' choices and offers its best medical advice based on the patient's situation. It provides free condoms, advice, and exams, which causes some of the population to grow enraged regarding the help the organization provides regarding people’s bodies. What makes some people the most enraged is how they provide abortions for people if they would like one. As it is quite a sensitive topic to write about, it is also one we need to be able to speak about and that is why Planned Parenthood is there, regardless of the backlash. The organization still does its best to stay in business, reaching all kinds of people who may need a comfortable space to talk about their bodies freely.
On Nov. 23 and 26, 2021, a man named Devin Friedrick Kruse (age 26), vandalized the Planned Parenthood building here in Grants Pass, OR. Similar to some others, he was opposed to the organization providing health services for the public. According to The Mail Tribune, he started by intentionally breaking the security cameras, as well as a window, to destroy the property. Within the next few days, he had thrown a piece of concrete through the window, allowing him to take out the intercom system. The United States Attorney's Office notes that, when the police found out, they got a bit of help from the FBI so that they could have the correct story in line. He was charged as follows: a felony, second and first-degree criminal mischief, and a misdemeanor, due to his actions of violating the FACE Act (Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances). Considering he broke this law, the general punishment is one year in prison. He went to his first court appearance on Mar. 14, 2022, facing the jury for his actions. There is no public information at this time, I am doing my best to try and stay as updated as I can, in hopes that he will get the proper punishment for his illegal actions.
After walking into Planned Parenthood, I could tell that they are serious about their new precautions. An important installment they have is a buzzer with an intercom. This allows patients to let themselves in for appointments or to introduce themselves, seeking help with a personal issue, as one can not open the door without being let in. It is true that COVID already makes healthcare difficult to access, but the stress of Planned Parenthood being on the verge of another possible act of vandalism has diminished their trust. One nurse said, “I was moved to the clinic in Medford for the past few months.” They were going on about how many people quit, making it difficult for the building to be ready to open once reconstruction was done on the clinic here in GP. Then, even with the reconstruction, there was still more work to be done to ensure everyone feels safe in this environment.
Image from PxHere
Everyone deserves to know how helpful this organization is and how we are lucky to have access to it in our area. If you ever need help, you should be aware that there is a place for you to go to.
I would like to provide a link to their website; this link will take you straight to their donations, as well as give more information about their organization :)
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