8 Arrested at Anti-Abortion Protest in Massachusetts

Eight people were arrested Saturday during an anti-abortion protest outside a Planned Parenthood clinic, where hundreds of demonstrators heckled women arriving to have abortions.

Six men and two women were arrested on charges of disorderly conduct during the early-morning confrontation, Brookline police officer William Ellis said.

Police refused to identify those who were arrested but said they were members of Operation Rescue, a national anti-abortion group that has staged several protests in the Greater Boston area and around the country in recent months.

About 125 protesters blocked the sidewalk and stairs leading to the clinic. Some clasped hands and sat down along the sidewalk while others prayed loudly and carried signs depicting aborted fetuses.

The anti-abortion activists were often drowned out by about 250 pro-choice abortion supporters, who chanted slogans and carried signs.

Planned Parenthood spokeswoman Susan Newsom said the group heard Friday that Operation Rescue was planning a protest and mobilized the counterdemonstration by telephoning supporters.

“They think they have the answer for everyone but they don’t,” Newsom said. “They’re not persuading anyone. If anything, I think they alienate mainstream anti-abortionists.”

Newsom said Planned Parenthood told the women scheduled to have abortions Saturday that they could reschedule appointments. But she said all chose to come, despite the protest.

Planned Parenthood counselor Nancy Drooker said 12 women came for abortions at the clinic Saturday.