Maybe Christmas spirit isn't what we need. Via Pandagon, the Fetus Tree:
Lorinda Hartzler, co-owner of Body Boutique, said that when Birthright of Lawrence asked about providing the tree it said it had no political agenda and wanted only to assist pregnant women in their decision-making process.
"It's not like the babies are morbid," Hartzler said of the tiny figures in the tree. "It's not graphic at all."
The tree had about a dozen blue and pink stockings, each stuffed with a plastic figure and attached card that labeled the dolls as being "between 11 and 12 weeks old."
Coupons for Birthright videos, pamphlets and children's clothes were also in the tree. Coupons included savings on a video titled "After the Choice," another video showing abortion procedures and a brochure on emergency contraception known as the "morning-after pill."
Hartzler said the tree was not intended to upset clients.
"I didn't want to offend anyone," Hartzler said.
Offend? No! Harass, shame, convert... sure!
Birthright volunteer Carol Rao said she would consider removing the tree if people are complaining about it.
"We're not here to fight a fight. We're here to help," Rao said.
I would love to know how plastic fetuses in a tree at a gym constitute help.
A Christmas tree that a pregnancy counseling organization provided to a women's fitness center prompted three people to cancel their memberships because the tree is decorated with plastic figures meant to represent fetuses.
"This is insidious," said Kelly Jones, one of the women who quit Body Boutique last week. "This is in my gym."
I'm not so sure it's insidious. My vote goes for obnoxious. Repellent even.
At least they weren't handing there directly handing out bloody fetus pamplets to the ho-ho-hoes!
Posted by binky at December 21, 2005 11:35 AM | TrackBack | Posted to El Infierno de kansas