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Originally published in Lifeline IX/1 (April 1999)

GENERAL RECAP & UPDATE

Conservatorship of Wendland—
After the trial court spared Robert Wendland’s life, Rose Wendland
(his wife and conservator) and his court-appointed defender filed briefs asking California’s 3rd District Court of Appeal to give the conservator authority to dehydrate and starve Robert to death despite the fact that he is not in a persistent unconscious state. Janie Siess is preparing the opposing brief.

Alternative Pregnancy Care v. Dept. of Health (Calif.)—Suit for
discrimination against Christian/pro-life groups in awarding grants for abstinence education. The case has settled with the stipulation the D.O.H. must sign a settlement agreement, promising not to reject funding to future grant applicants solely on the basis that the applicant is affiliated with a religious group, or has a life-affirming philosophy.

Foti v. Menlo Park—After a largely successful appeal to the 9th Circuit, the case has returned to district court for further proceedings regarding the City’s right to restrict the size of picket signs and limit signs on parked cars.

Foti v. Planned Parenthood—This action by a sidewalk counselor against PP and its escorts is now in the discovery stage. Two policemen have been added as defendants because of their involvement in
a false arrest.

Planned Parenthood v. Foti—Foti
v. PP sparked this countersuit by Planned Parenthood against Ross Foti and others, trying to move them across the street from three clinics. The defendants successfully demurred, forcing PP to amend its complaint.

Charles Spingola, et al. v. City of Fremont—Pro-lifers arrested at street fair for pro-life sign/speech—status conference and settlement hearing pending.

Edwards v. Santa Barbara—
After the Ninth Circuit upheld an ordinance erecting speech-free zones in and around clinic driveways, plaintiffs filed a petition for certiorari in the U.S. Supreme Court; which was denied on March 8, the case now returns to district court for further proceedings.

Reeves v. Rocklin Unified School District—Pro-lifers leafleting and holding signs were detained after high school administrators involved the local police; during a second visit to the same school, pro-lifers were forced to move off the campus after being refused visitor registration, also being told the public street adjacent to the school was off-limits. Depositions began mid-February, the case being set for trial May 25, 1999.

Sherman v. Ryan: An abortion clinic is seeking an injunction against longtime picketer and sidewalk counselor. Having defeated two attempts at preliminary injunctions, dismissal is pending.

People [Palm Desert] v. Ryan: Charges were brought against Eddie Ryan for disturbing the peace—for repeating to patients what the abortionist had said about them! Trial set for May.

People [San Diego] v. Youngkin—arrested for distributing literature at high school—(VICTORY! conviction overturned. Story, p. 3)

People [Escondido] v. Brock—Gas station refused service to Ron Brock because of signs on his vehicle. Brock was arrested and convicted of trespassing. An appeal is pending.

Brock v. ARCO—Civil suit is
stayed pending the outcome of the
criminal appeal.

Kelly v. County of Orange—Nurse Karen Kelly, who was fired for not violating her pro-life convictions, is engaged in settlement negotiations with the County.

North Dakota v. Family Life Services—State Attorney General took over pro-life ministry, placing Family Life Services in permanent receivership; criminal appeal pending.

Ohio v. Spingola and Spingola v. Ohio State—pro-lifer arrested for free speech activities on campus—Motion to dismiss pending.

USA v. Alaw (Wash., D.C.; Newman and White)—Department of Justice suing rescuers civilly “blocking” a clinic where no abortions were taking place and doors were locked. Suit is in discovery phase.

Brock—suit against shopping mall for having towed his vehicle while eating lunch with his father in the same mall.

Spingola v. U.C. Regents (Berkeley)— street preacher of prolife message harassed.

El Monte v. Easton—Cecile Easton, a bilingual sidewalk counselor of some 15 years facing misdemeanor charges, pretrial motion stage.