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WORCESTER, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Police are investigating after two crisis pregnancy centers in Worcester were the target of vandalism.
Windows were shattered and paint was splattered outside both Problem Pregnancy, at 495 Pleasant St., and Clearway Clinic, at 358 Shrewsbury St. The words "Jane's Revenge" were painted on the sidewalk — the name of an extremist pro-abortion organization.
"I don't think all people who support abortion would do such extremist acts," said Kelly Wilcox, the executive director of the Clearway Clinic. "These are clearly domestic terrorist organizations."
Wilcox called the attacks cowardly and said the groups will continue to provide services to anyone in need.
Neither center offers abortion services, instead they offer services such as free ultrasounds, counseling and other testing.
The vandalism is another in a series of acts sweeping the nation after the Supreme Court opinion overturning Roe v. Wade just two weeks ago. Similar vandalism has been reported in New Hampshire, Florida and Michigan, among others.
Earlier this week, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey issued an advisory to women warning about coercive tactics that are sometimes used by crisis pregnancy centers.
“While crisis pregnancy centers claim to offer reproductive healthcare services, their goal is to prevent people from accessing abortion and contraception,” Healey said. “In Massachusetts, you have the right to a safe and legal abortion. We want to ensure that patients can protect themselves from deceptive and coercive tactics when seeking the care they need.”
In the Commonwealth, state law allows an abortion prior to 24 weeks. After 24 weeks, the procedure is allowed only if a physician believes an abortion is necessary to preserve the mother's life.
In the wake of the SCOTUS opinion overturning Roe v. Wade, Governor Charlie Baker signed an executive order protecting access to reproductive services for all women, regardless of the state of residence.
WBZ's John Baibak reports:
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