U.S. Alerts Abortion Clinics to Take Steps to Prevent Attacks

Abortion clinics nationwide have been alerted by federal authorities to the possibility of violence around the time of President Reagan’s inauguration, which coincides with the 12th anniversary of the legalization of abortion, the head of the National Abortion Federation said today.

Reagan will be inaugurated for a second term in private ceremonies on Sunday, Jan. 20. Two days later is the anniversary of the 1973 Supreme Court decision to legalize abortion.

In addition, a person using the name “Anastasious II” has threatened “violence to a pro-choice advocate,” the bureau notice said. Jan. 22 also marks the feast of St. Anastasious, a Christian martyr.

Barbara Radford, executive director of the Washington-based organization which represents about 280 clinics around the country, said the federal warning was given to the federation by the Treasury Department’s Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, which has been investigating a series of clinic bombings in recent weeks.

“The warning was delivered to us Dec. 28 and we have relayed it to all of our members,” said Radford, who added that similar action has been taken by the Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

“Although we have absolutely no intelligence information concerning planned violent anti-abortion activities, we believe the symbolism of this date represents a potential for increased action directed toward abortion clinics and or pro-choice offices,” said the warning notice from the firearms bureau.

The matter has been complicated by plans of the National Organization for Women to occupy a number of abortion clinics that usually would be empty from Jan. 18-20 in a vigil to protest violence against the facilities.

NOW President Judy Goldsmith said members of the organization “believe our presence in the clinics will deter violence.”

“We will hold vigils in 20 to 30 clinics throughout the country,” said a NOW member who insisted on anonymity. “NOW members will be inside the clinics beginning at the close of business on Friday. They will stay until the clinics open on Monday.”

The NOW member added: “We will be very, very visible with lights on and signs saying there are people inside. We are also working with the local police.”

She said the location of the clinics to be occupied by people will not be revealed until late next week, but all the clinics are those that “have asked for our help. We now do escort service regularly at literally hundreds of clinics.”

The warning comes as the number of bombings and other attacks on abortion centers have increased substantially in number.

Federal officials have reported 30 instances of arson, bombing and firebombing at abortion centers since May, 1982. Leaders of the abortion rights movement have estimated such attacks have totaled 60 since 1977.