Kansas Late-Term Abortion Center Employees in Court Over Attack

Employees of the late-term abortion center in Wichita run by George Tiller were in small claims court on Tuesday. Representatives of the Women's Health Care Services abortion center stand accused of using a “stink bomb” to sicken and intimidate pro-life advocates trying to persuade women to not have abortions. WHCS administrator JoAn Armentrout appeared on behalf of WHCS and was accompanied by security guard John Rayburn at the hearing.

Pro-life advocate Mark Gietzen, director of the Kansas Coalition for Life, is seeking $4,000 in damages after an incident last September when Rayburn placed a "stink bomb" on the parking lot side of a cedar plank fence directly next to where pro-life supporters usually stand. Gietzen says the device emitted a powerful stench that sickened him and other pro-life people who had just convinced a possible abortion customer not to follow through with her appointment. Gietzen said he and others suffered from headache and nausea afterwards.

At Tuesday's hearing, Armentrout submitted a memorandum to the court addressing the "stink bomb" incident. Armentrout argued WCHS was improperly sued since Rayburn is an independent contractor hired to provide security. She told the court that Rayburn's Diamond Security company was the entity that should be sued.

Judge Steven Woodring ordered that Gietzen amend his complaint to include Diamond Security and continued the small claims trial for a third time to June 10. Judge Woodring warned Armentrout that a decision in this case would be issued on June 10 and that he would allow no further delays.

"This was a punitive act by Tiller's clinic that was obviously meant to get even with sidewalk counselors for saving a baby," said Operation Rescue spokesperson Cheryl Sullenger. "People were sickened by this chemical attack, which no one at WHCS is denying took place. There should be some legal repercussions to this kind of behavior and we pray that Mr. Gietzen prevails in his suit."