Graphic Abortion Signs Stir Emotions

Joan Newman, of Upper St. Clair, stood bundled up on Route 50 in Bridgeville for most of the chilly Thursday morning holding a large sign that produced strong emotions from passing motorists.

On one side, there’s a smiling infant with the words LIFE above. On the other side, a mutilated baby that her group claims is an aborted fetus.

“The street is our media,” Newman said.

She and five other people stood with the graphic signs to promote their pro-life values next to the Planned Parenthood facility directly above Burgh’s Pizza & Wings. Her husband, Robert, was on the other sidewalk along Route 50 holding a similar sign.

Their “Face The Truth America” organization travels to main business districts across the Pittsburgh area–and as far away as Morgantown, WV—trying to spread their pro-life messages by stirring strong, and sometimes angry, emotional responses about abortion.

“We get thumbs up and we get the bird,” Newman said. “Some people are sympathetic, some are (pro-choice) activists and some are apathetic.”

Attempts to reach Pro-Choice Pittsburgh for comment were not successful. But during a 10-minute interview with Newman, only one motorist honked and most pedestrians walked by without looking at the signs. However, there have been complaints in the past about the graphic nature of the signs that are sometimes seen by young children.

The retiree from Upper St. Clair said the Planned Parenthood facility in Bridgeville doesn’t perform abortions, but refers women to the umbrella facility in downtown Pittsburgh. She said their group tries to persuade expectant mothers who are thinking about ending their pregnancy.

“We try to give them information about help at pregnancy centers,” Newman said. “We try to talk to them. Whatever help we can give them, we would certainly do.”

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