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Planned Parenthood Christmas Card Controversy

28 December 2003

by Anai Rhoads
Veriana Media

The Society for Truth and Justice (STJ) organised pre-arranged exhibits across the nation Sunday to demonstrate against Planned Parenthood Federation of America's (PPFA) 2003 Christmas Card. December 28th was specifically chosen because Christians believe it was on that date that Herod murdered scores of children three days after Jesus' birth.

Press conferences were scheduled at 2:30 pm in selected U.S. cities. Liberal-sized picket signs sported slogans such as "The Perfect gift: An Aborted baby" and "Merry Christmas - abort your baby." The spirit of the boycott was to bring attention to what STJ considered insensitivity, but some onlookers at a Falls Church, Virginia PPFA took the slogans as pro-choice.

"I understand they (STJ) are here to protest Planned Parenthood, but some of the signs misrepresent their cause," a passer-by proclaimed.

PPFA's card is mostly composed of the words: equality, human rights, freedom and choice on earth. STJ claims the words "Choice on Earth" mock the birth of Jesus by glamourising abortion. The 2002 Christmas card was blasted by Fox News' querulous Bill O'Reilly and other pro-life Christian groups. O'Reilly's comments preempted a Fox News poll on the "appropriateness" of the card's intended message.

"For PPFA to promote the abortion of children at Christmas in the name of 'Choice on Earth' is a perversion beyond belief. Think of the women who abort a child at this time of year who will be 'haunted' by the ghosts of Christmas past the rest of their lives. We want to offer any woman in a crisis pregnancy help. Please don't kill your baby," said Randall Terry, president of STJ.

Whether it is good press or bad, the PPFA has managed to anger enough people to get more recognition. The controversy, most believe, was to further their 2004 itinerary. PPFA's March for Freedom of Choice rally is scheduled for 25 April 2004. The organisation promises the walk to be one of the largest public demonstrations in support of reproductive freedom in history.

References:

[1] Planned Parenthood - Choice on Earth Holiday Card

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