I recognize Leslie Sneddon, the protester pictured in the larger file photograph accompanying the column titled “Commentary: Taking sides at Planned Parenthood,” which was published Aug. 30.

Several years ago, Ms. Sneddon blocked my path when I was walking near the building on Congress Street that houses the Planned Parenthood clinic, perhaps presuming I was going to enter. (As a woman in my 60s, it would not be for an abortion, but logic has never been the hallmark of these demonstrators.)

When I told Ms. Sneddon to get out of my way, she snarled at me that I had “darkness in my soul.”

Ms. Sneddon and her group have made a mockery of the First Amendment by harassing women exercising their constitutionally protected rights to privacy and to access a legal medical procedure – as well as those of us who simply wish to walk on a public sidewalk without being subjected to unsolicited opinions about the state of our souls.

If they truly want to prevent abortions, they should focus their energies on advocating universal sex education and widespread access to free contraceptives – not on screaming and public shaming.

Ellen D. Murphy

Portland


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