Local protesters take no break, despite heat, middle fingers, and Minnesota killings. Our reporter interviews some picketers.
By Kylee Worth
Original Air Date: June 20, 2025
Host: Every Tuesday and Wednesday, anti-abortion activists are picketing the Planned Parenthood clinic in Sarasota’s Rosemary district. Following the assassinations and assassination attempts against Minnesota lawmakers, and in light of the area’s ongoing pregnancy and birth care crisis, WSLR reporter Kylee Worth asked picketers about why they were there, how they’re going about protesting, and how they feel about these issues.
Kylee Worth: On a 90-degree morning in June at the entrance of Sarasota’s Planned Parenthood offices and clinic, I found 10 anti-abortion activists. They were holding signs saying “Don’t do this today,” “Pray to end abortion” and images of unborn fetuses. Braving middle fingers and “FU’s” of passersby, these mostly older men and women smiled and wave at passing cars in an attempt to intervene in the lives of young women.
None of the picketers would provide me with last names. I spoke with Margaret, the group’s spokesperson. She is an 85 year old retired teacher who spends her days promoting Sarasota’s Community Pregnancy Clinic. She explained the group’s anti-abortion mission.
Margaret: We are here for the mom—the mom who we feel is being preyed upon and her desperation is being used. And we’re here for the unborn child, who we truly believe not only has a heartbeat but he is sentient can feel what is happening to him.
KW: When asked about the lack of OB/GYN care in the state and country, she was well aware of the shortage. Margaret attributed it to the difficult nature of the job, and as she phrased it “lawsuits over designer babies.”
I asked her about the First 1,000 Days Suncoast partnership, the Sarasota initiative to alleviate the lack of reproductive healthcare. This was the first time Margaret heard of these resources. She was happy to hear that help was non the way. She emphasized the services of the Community Pregnancy Clinic she represents, including free pregnancy tests, STD tests and ultrasounds
Just moments after our conversation, a car approached the parking lot. Margaret and picketing buddy Kim rushed to the car, extending brochures. They yelled for the driver to come talk to them as the young woman walked into the health center.
[Indistinct speech]
Driver: I’m not here for that. I’m here for birth control.
KW: Margaret explains that they have developed a strategy. The group stands in front of Planned Parenthood every Tuesday and Wednesday. That’s because these are the days Planned Parenthood conducts pregnancy consultation and abortions.
Margaret says that the Community Pregnancy Clinic is Christ-centered. The group is made up of members of all faiths with a shared belief in the power of prayer. The group aims to teach women self-respect. She claims the Florida education system and Planned Parenthood are failing at this.
M: As a former school teacher, I would love to see Planned Parenthood’s grooming curriculum taken out and a curriculum based on self respect and support for young girls and young men that they don’t need this. Virginity is a beautiful, beautiful concept and it doesn’t have to be disparaged, and that’s what happens with Planned Parenthood’s curriculum.
KW: When asked about the recent assassination of Minnesota lawmakers, a couple of picketers said these were horrible tragedies. Margaret said she’s not sure that these deaths were connected with pro-life movements. None of the picketers made any further comment on the subject.
Reporting for WSLR News, Kylee Worth.
WSLR News aims to keep the local community informed with our 1/2 hour local news show, quarterly newspaper and social media feeds. The local news broadcast airs on Wednesdays and Fridays at 6pm.