Walsh Construction Company in Portland dropped a project to build a Planned Parenthood this week, citing pressure from anti-choice activists. Owner Bob Walsh left the project out of concern his family would be threatened, not based on moral judgment, reports The Oregonian.
Others involved in the project have already been subjected to office protests from anti-choice protesters. Bill Diss, a protest organizer, referrers to Planned Parenthood as a “killing center” that teaches young girls about sex and masturbation, which he referred to as “the gateway drug to lust,” according to The Register-Guard.
Despite increasing pressure, Beech Street Partners, the original developer will act as its own contractor and hire builders to complete the project by July 2009. The space will be used for medical clinics and will host Planned Parenthood’s regional headquarters. It will bring an estimated 140 jobs to the neighborhood.
