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Court Order Halts Planned Event that Would Have Obstructed Access to Wichita Abortion Clinic

by Ethan Kim
8 comments
Court Order Halts Planned Event Blocking Wichita Abortion Clinic

Court Order Halts Planned Event that Would Have Obstructed Access to Wichita Abortion Clinic

A planned protest, orchestrated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wichita, which would have impeded access to the only entrance of a Wichita abortion facility this Saturday, has been halted by a court injunction. The restraining order suspends the city permit that would have authorized the event.

Earlier in the year, the Wichita Catholic Diocese received permission from both the city’s Parks and Recreation Department and its police force to close the road leading to the Trust Women clinic, according to reporting from the Wichita Eagle. The religious group had intended to conduct a “Mass for Life” event on Saturday morning, thereby obstructing access to the Trust Women clinic, while maintaining open access to a nearby clinic that aims to discourage individuals from undergoing abortions.

Late on Friday, a judge approved a temporary restraining order, effective until a formal hearing can be convened by the Wichita City Council. This hearing will consider objections raised by the Trust Women clinic and another adjacent business to the street’s closure. Although the clinic generally remains closed on Saturdays, it occasionally opens for specific appointments and also performs administrative and janitorial duties on the weekends, as stated by the Wichita Eagle.

Administrators of the Trust Women clinic discovered the planned road closure last month and formally submitted their objections to the city. When the city failed to convene a hearing to resolve the objections related to the permit, the clinic proceeded to seek a court-ordered restraining order.

This judicial development occurs more than a year after Kansas residents voted strongly in favor of preserving abortion rights, despite the state’s conservative leaning.

Wichita has been a recurrent focal point in the national debate over abortion rights. The Trust Women Clinic itself was established by George Tiller, a Wichita-based abortion provider who was tragically killed in 2009 by an individual opposed to abortion.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Court Order Halts Planned Event Blocking Wichita Abortion Clinic

What event was planned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wichita?

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Wichita had planned a “Mass for Life” demonstration for a Saturday morning. This event would have involved closing the street in front of the Trust Women clinic in Wichita, thereby blocking its only entrance while leaving another nearby clinic open. The latter clinic aims to discourage individuals from getting abortions.

Who put a halt to the planned demonstration?

A judge issued a temporary restraining order that put a hold on the city permit, effectively halting the planned demonstration by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Wichita. This order will remain in effect until the Wichita City Council can hold a hearing to address objections to the street closure.

Why did the Trust Women clinic object to the street closure?

The Trust Women clinic objected to the street closure because it would have obstructed the clinic’s only entrance. Although the clinic is generally closed on Saturdays, it sometimes opens for specific appointments and also performs administrative and janitorial tasks on the weekends.

What is the significance of Wichita in the debate over abortion rights?

Wichita has often been a central point in the national debate over abortion rights. The Trust Women Clinic was founded by George Tiller, a Wichita abortion provider who was killed in 2009 by an anti-abortion extremist. Moreover, the recent legal development comes more than a year after Kansas residents voted strongly in favor of preserving abortion rights, despite the state’s conservative leaning.

What will happen next after the temporary restraining order?

The temporary restraining order is effective until a formal hearing can be convened by the Wichita City Council. This hearing will consider objections raised by the Trust Women clinic and another adjacent business to the street’s closure.

Was the Trust Women clinic aware of the planned street closure in advance?

Yes, administrators of the Trust Women clinic learned of the planned road closure last month. They formally submitted their objections to the city, but when the city failed to schedule a hearing to resolve the objections, the clinic proceeded to seek a court-ordered restraining order.

What is the broader context of this incident in Kansas politics?

The incident occurs in the context of a broader debate on abortion rights in Kansas. More than a year prior, Kansas residents voted in favor of preserving abortion rights, making the state an interesting case study given its generally conservative political landscape.

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8 comments

TommyK October 8, 2023 - 2:04 am

Whoa, a Mass for Life demonstration. pretty bold move by the diocese, gotta say.

Reply
EmilyG October 8, 2023 - 8:39 am

Good that the court stepped in. Cant ignore other businesses and clinics who have a say in street closures.

Reply
CarrieB October 8, 2023 - 11:55 am

Can’t wait to see what comes out of the City Council hearing. This story is far from over.

Reply
SarahL October 8, 2023 - 2:46 pm

it’s interesting how Wichita keeps being the center for these debates on abortion. almost like it’s the microcosm of the whole US debate.

Reply
Mike_82 October 8, 2023 - 2:47 pm

The judge did the right thing. Blocking a clinic’s entrance, even if it’s mostly closed on Saturdays, could be a real problem for people who need it.

Reply
JohnDoe October 8, 2023 - 10:56 pm

Wow, didn’t see that coming. A court order halting a church event. Times are changing, that’s for sure.

Reply
RachelP October 8, 2023 - 11:00 pm

so the clinic found out just last month about the street closure? That doesn’t seem fair to me.

Reply
DanTheMan October 9, 2023 - 12:59 am

George Tiller’s clinic is still the focus, years after his tragic death. Man, when will this end?

Reply

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