Heavy security planned for Planned Parenthood anniversary event

Extraordinary security measures will be in place Thursday evening to handle what is expected to be a large pro-life protest at the local Planned Parenthood's 30th anniversary event.

The demonstrators will be on hand to protest the appearance of the evening's guest speaker - Cecile Richards, president of Planned Parenthood Federation of America.

No abortions are performed by Planned Parenthood of East Central Iowa, but the national organization is a strong pro-choice voice. Richards, the daughter of the late Texas Gov. Ann Richards, has been a strong advocate for electing pro-choice political candidates and is a frequent target of pro-life protesters.

A coalition of Midwest pro-life organizations will stage a press conference and rally at 5 p.m. Thursday at St. Pius Catholic Church, 4949 Council St. NE. Planners said demonstrators then will march with signs to the nearby Cedar Rapids Marriott, 1200 Collins Rd. NE, where the Planned Parenthood anniversary event is to begin at 6 p.m.

“We want Cecile Richards and Planned Parenthood to know that abortion is nothing to celebrate,” said Eric Scheidler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League.

Joe Lock, president and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Eastern Iowa, said he has been working with the FBI, local police and businesses for weeks to ensure the safety of Richards and those attending the anniversary banquet.

“We've not had an incident of violence in 30 years, and we want to make sure nothing changes that,” he said Wednesday.

Police and FBI agents will be on site, he said, and snow fences will be in place to separate protesters from those attending the banquet.

Lock said local Planned Parenthood board members were calling those signed up for the banquet on Wednesday night (May 19) to reassure them “they are going to be safe.”

Lock said Planned Parenthood on Thursday night also intends to honor Fran Hansen, the CEO of the local Planned Parenthood for 21 years until she retired in 2005, and Anna Epling, who provided the impetus to form the local Planned Parenthood chapter 30 years ago.