Outrage

I'm almost shaking with anger after reading this post from Timshel. Here's the link to the Pic article. Short version: William A. Graham, an anti-abortion kook in Jefferson Parish allegedly promises to refer women needing abortions to private physicians, under the guise that they are "better" than doctors at abortion clinics. Then he tries to run the clock out. He'll tell them that the appointment needs to be rescheduled, or, in a mammoth act of fraud, indicates that later term abortions are safer--which is a lie. One woman alleges that Graham told her to wait until the 30th week before terminating the pregnancy--which is ILLEGAL under Louisiana law (although I believe the Federal statute MIGHT provide some protection if the woman's life is in danger, but that's not the issue).

The suit also points out that Graham deliberately chose a name--Causeway Center For Women--that's similar to a genuine provider of abortion services, Causeway Medical Clinic. The clinic is one of the co-plaintiffs.

Most of my posts lately have concerned the outrageous behavior of the Bush administration--for instance, this link from As'ad AbuKhalil indicates that Bush and Rove are basically betting the farm this November on getting out the religious zanies vote. But I also believe in thinking globally while acting locally--and, for both, WOMEN'S RIGHTS, INCLUDING ABSOLUTE REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS, ARE CENTRAL.

Graham's actions are reprehensible. While the article doesn't note any monetary fraud, the fact that he'd deliberately engage in misleading practices--in this case, offering a service he has no intention of delivering--is reason enough to find him in violation of several provisions of law.

Here's hoping he's put out of business for good.