71 Arrested at Abortion Clinic Protest

Police on Friday arrested 71 anti-abortion demonstrators who blocked a gate to a women’s clinic, while other protesters clashed with abortion-rights supporters.

In suburban Amherst, two abortion opponents were arrested for refusing to leave a church where women seeking abortions were gathering before being escorted to a clinic across the street. The two were charged with trespassing and released on bail.

Friday was the fourth day of protests by the anti-abortion group Operation Rescue, which has been trying to shut down Buffalo-area clinics. Group leader Keith Tucci said the protests would continue at least another week.

About an hour before Buffalo GYN Womenservices clinic opened on Friday, the 71 protesters sat in front of a gate behind the building.

When a federal marshal read an injunction that prohibits them from blocking clinics, the protesters began singing and praying.

As police began making arrests, about 25 abortion-rights activists chanted: “Pray, you’ll need it. Your cause has been defeated.”

During the hour it took police to make the arrests, demonstrators on both sides scuffled and shouted.

Those arrested Friday were charged with obstruction and were taken to an armory where about 175 others arrested Wednesday were being held for refusing to post bail or give their names.