SUPPORT GROWS FOR CLOSURE OF MARIE STOPES IN PIETERMARITZBURG

Today (3 February 2001) About two hundred people demonstrated outside Marie Stopes abortion clinic in Pietermaritzburg demanding the closure of the abortion clinic.  Some of the placards read 'Marie Stopes gets away with murder' and 'Marie Stopes stops a beating heart' and 'Marie Stopes stops life'.

Thembinkosi Radebe, Kwa-Zulu Natal Chair of Christians for Truth said "The turnout for the protest and the support of passers-by shows that more and more people are becoming aware of the evil of abortion."

Motorists passing the clinic had hooted their support for the protest, which at one point made it difficult to hear the speaker Kjell Olsen, who was thanking President George Bush for stopping foreign AID for abortions.  Yesterday (2 February 2001), which was particularly hot, a passing motorist had stopped and bought cooldrinks for all the protesters.  Other passing motorists stopped to join the crowd.

One lady at the protest, Sharon, spoke with tears of how she had aborted two of her babies, which she now regretted.

Mr Herschel Augustine of the Christian Business Association led public prayer for closure of clinic.  He, together with other Pietermaritizburg businessmen would be meeting with the building manager and owners to urge the eviction of the abortionists.  (Sam, the building manager can be reached at 033-3915730).

A church minister from Imbali preached on the need to observe the Ten Commandments - especially the sixth 'You shall not murder'.

Karen van Eeden of the  'Womens Upliftment League' spoke of the traumatic psychological effects of abortion on women and urged anyone who had had an abortion to seek counselling.

Protesters met earlier in the week with the clinic manager, Mrs Govender who they urged to stop killing babies.  (Mrs Govender can be reached at 033 3915730)

Pastor Derek King, the protest organiser said that he hoped that Marie Stopes would close soon.  So far, the protesters have closed one abortion clinic and one escort agency in Pietermaritzburg - both of which went bankrupt for lack of customers who stayed away because of the protests. 

Pastor King can be reached at 082 720 2841 or 03338 72209