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Former Planned Parenthood worker travels to speak about pro-life choices
After 17 years working for Planned Parenthood, one woman is now one of their biggest opponents.
Sue Thayer spoke to pro-life advocates in Grand Island Saturday. News 5's Lauren Conley spoke with Thayer on why she's speaking out against her former employer. It was a job she didn't think she'd get. "During the interview they asked me if, you know, what I thought about abortion," said Sue Thayer, pro-life advocate. "I said well, I think it's murder." For nearly 20 years, Sue Thayer was the manager of a Planned Parenthood clinic in western Iowa. She didn't like the thought of abortions, but her clinic didn't perform them, so she stayed. "I liked my job," Thayer said. "I liked the work there and the feeling of helping people." Her breaking point came in 2007 when she says the clinic introduced webcam or telemed abortions. "The webcam abortions was a big red flag and it was a bold move even for Planned Parenthood," Thayer said. The controversial method is meant to provide options to pregnant women in rural areas. After having an ultrasound by a trained technician and a videoconference with a doctor, if the woman is under 9 weeks pregnant she'll receives two pills to complete the abortion. Planned Parenthood stands by the safety and legality of the procedure. But, Thayer questioned it and she says was ultimately fired for that reason. "I'm not happy with you know, all the years that I spent there, but I believe that God is using that for good," Thayer said. While millions of people across the country are pro-choice, Thayer shares her experience with other pro-life supporters like at Saturday's speech hosted by Grand Island Right to Life. "Right now our goal is to keep Grand Island free of Planned Parenthood," said Barbara Jones, with the Grand Island Right to Life. Planned Parenthood already has existing clinics in Omaha and Lincoln. They've announced plans to open up several more throughout the state, including in Grand Island and also in Hastings and Kearney. But, Grand Island Right to Life is hoping to put a stop to that. "Planned Parenthood is certainly not needed or wanted in this community," Jones said. Although Thayer travels the U.S. to share her story, her crusade centers in her home town. The Planned Parenthood facility she once worked for is now closed. She's opening a pro-life center in its place. "Just because we don't have a Planned Parenthood there anymore means that there's any less pregnant women in need of help," Thayer said. Planned Parenthood hasn't announced any formal plans to build new locations in Nebraska. The organization provides reproductive healthcare including sex education and supports a woman's right to choose. |
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