Operation Rescue (formerly Operation Rescue WestorCalifornia Operation Rescue), the operating name of Youth Ministries Inc., is an American anti-abortion organization.[1] The organization originated in California and is now based in Kansas.
Operation Rescue West was founded by Operation Rescue's tactical director, Jeff White, as a branch of Randall Terry's original Operation Rescue organization. Under White, Operation Rescue West maintained its focus on abortion. White left leadership to Troy Newman in 1999 following an $880,000 judgment against Operation Rescue for harassment and intimidation of Planned Parenthood staff and its leadership. In 2002, Newman moved the headquarters to Wichita, Kansas,[2] to focus its efforts on late-term abortion provider George Tiller, who was assassinated in 2009. Their headquarters is now located in a former abortion clinic which closed due to harassment by Operation Rescue and was purchased by Newman through a front group.[3]
Operation Rescue operates a fleet of what it refers to as "Truth Trucks", large panel vehicles that bear images of aborted fetuses.[6] These "Truth Trucks" travel around the nation showing what Operation Rescue describes as "grisly truth about abortion."
The organization offers a $25,000 reward for reports of criminal activity at abortion clinics which leads to a criminal conviction of what it describes as "abortionists".[7] The first award was given in 2011 to a former employee at an abortion clinic.[8]
Randall Terry filed a lawsuit against Troy Newman in 2008, alleging misuse of the name "Operation Rescue." Former Rescue leaders, including Keith Tucci (director), Patrick Mahoney (media director), Jeff White (tactical director) have signed a statement in support of Newman. "We now feel compelled to speak up because Randall's actions are hurting the work of Troy Newman and Operation Rescue in their efforts to see George Tiller end his barbaric abortion practices in Wichita, Kansas. Additionally, we can no longer remain silent while Mr. Terry continues to fleece unsuspecting pro-life people out of hundreds of thousands of dollars for his personal and selfish gain."[9]
Operation Rescue has publicized a number of allegedly "botched" abortions[12] at Tiller's Women's Health Care Services, including the death of Christin A. Gilbert following a third-trimester abortion.[13] Operation Rescue staff have also investigated and made allegations[14] regarding other facilities around the country.[15][16] Dr. Tiller was cleared of any charges of medical neglect in the death of Christin Gilbert.[citation needed]
In September 2006, Newman and "personhood" anti-abortion activist Keith Mason showed up at an open-air gubernatorial debate dressed as cockroaches, protesting alleged unsanitary conditions at Tiller's clinic. Democratic State Rep. Vaughn Flora (Topeka) recognized Newman, tore his mask off, and was arrested for battery. Flora was fined $100 in return for a nolo plea. Newman later launched a $75,000 lawsuit against Flora which was dismissed. As of September 8, 2006, Youth Ministries Inc. (the incorporated name for Operation Rescue) had its 501(c)(3) status revoked by the IRS, following charges of improper use of contributions, and illegal endorsements of political candidates.[17]
Operation Rescue also worked to mobilize support in the Kansas State Legislature to order the newly elected Attorney General, DemocratPaul Morrison, to reinstate misdemeanor charges that were dismissed on jurisdictional grounds against Dr. Tiller. The group planned a rally in front of the offices of ADA Nora Foulston, to present evidence of mass murder against Tiller.
On May 31, 2009, Tiller was assassinated in his church. Scott Roeder of Merriam, KS was convicted of first degree murder in the shooting. Operation Rescue denounced Tiller's murder in numerous statements, describing it as "cowardly"[18][19] and "antithetical to what we believe".[20] The group also said that Roeder had "never been a member, contributor, or volunteer with Operation Rescue."[21] Roeder responded to Newman's disavowal by declaring, "Well, my gosh. I've got probably a thousand dollars worth of receipts, at least, from the money I've donated to him."[22]
The phone number for Operation Rescue's senior policy advisor, Cheryl Sullenger, was found on the dashboard of Scott Roeder's car.[23] At first Sullenger, who was convicted for conspiring to blow up a California abortion clinic in 1988, denied any contact with him, saying that her phone number is freely available online. Then, she revised her statements, indicating that she informed Scott Roeder of where Dr Tiller would be at specific times:
"He would call and say, 'When does court start? When's the next hearing?'" Sullenger said. "I was polite enough to give him the information. I had no reason not to. Who knew? Who knew, you know what I mean?"[24]
Women's Healthcare services was closed following his death. There were multiple efforts by a variety of physicians, activists, and organizations to open or reopen an abortion providing facility in Wichita. Trust Women Foundation reopened in the same facility in April 2013. [25]
