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Demonstrations begin outside Bellevue abortion clinic

By Katie Knapp Schubert

Omaha, NE – Pro-life and pro-choice advocates began gathering outside a controversial Bellevue abortion clinic Friday morning for two days of demonstrations.

Supporters from the National Organization for Women, NARAL Pro-Choice America and the Feminist Majority Foundation surrounded Dr. Leroy Carhart's clinic. The Abortion and Contraception Clinic of Nebraska opened in 1986. It's one of only a handful of clinics nationwide where so-called late-term abortions are performed. Dr. Carhart also performed abortions at Women's Health Care Services in Wichita, Kansas, the clinic formerly owned by Dr. George Tiller. Tiller was murdered in late May.

NOW activists from 16 states are in Bellevue to show their support for Doctor Carhart. At a news conference Friday morning, NOW President Terry O'Neill says the safety of Dr. Carhart, his clinic, and his patients must be a top priority.

Operation Rescue issued a statement Friday morning alleging employees at the clinic engaged in illegal activities. Members of that group and other pro-life organizations plan to protest outside the clinic Saturday morning.