August 18, 2022

Vandals target Bethlehem House pregnancy center in Easthampton

REGIONAL
By Carolee McGrath

 

EASTHAMPTON – Easthampton police are investigating vandalism that occurred at Bethlehem House pregnancy center, here, early Thursday morning, Aug. 18. Bethlehem House is a pro-life ministry run by volunteers that provides women facing a crisis pregnancy with free diapers, wipes, baby clothes, strollers, pack-and-plays, car seats and strollers.

Vandals spray-painted “Jane’s Revenge” on benches located outside the building and the message, “If abortion isn’t safe, neither are you.”

“Jane’s Revenge” is a pro-abortion group which has taken responsibility for various attacks on churches and pro-life pregnancy centers across the country since the leaked U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health organization case. Ultimately, the case led to the overturning of the 1973 ruling of Roe v. Wade, which had legalized abortion across the country. The recent ruling gives the power to the states to decide their own laws regarding abortion.

“I’m nervous because the clients are coming here today. We have to give diapers out in the parking lot,” said Pam Hibbard, Bethlehem House executive director.

Bethlehem House, which receives support from the Springfield Diocese’s Annual Catholic Appeal, also offers free pregnancy resources, including referrals for employment, health care, and educational services. Families receive assistance until the baby is 18 months old. In addition, Bethlehem House offers post-abortive counseling.

“We are not doing this for the money. We do it from the heart,” Hibbard told iObserve.

In July, vandals also targeted two pregnancy care centers in Worcester, Mass.: Clearway Clinic and Problem Pregnancy. Clearway’s windows were smashed and the words “Jane’s Revenge” were spray-painted in black on the sidewalk outside of the building.

“I was very sad to hear that vandals targeted Bethlehem House last night,” Springfield Bishop William D. Byrne said in a statement. “The messages spray-painted on the outside of the building appear to have one purpose and that is to intimidate the good people who depend on the assistance provided there, along with those who volunteer at Bethlehem House, whose sole purpose is to help women and their families facing a crisis pregnancy.”

“No matter where you stand on the issue of abortion, I pray all people of goodwill will join me in condemning this act and all acts of vandalism and violence against any group,” Bishop Byrne wrote. “We are a people of life called to lead with love. That’s what we will continue to do. Please join me in praying for all affected by this incident.”

Bethlehem House has been in the spotlight recently, as the Easthampton City Council has been considering a proposed ordinance, “Deceptive Advertising Practices of Limited Services Pregnancy Centers.” A pregnancy center would be in violation and subject to a $300 fine if it advertised in such a way deemed “deceptive, whether by statement or omission, and that a limited services pregnancy center knows or reasonably should know to be deceptive.”

At recent council meetings, people have spoken in favor of and against the ordinance. Bethlehem House is the only pregnancy care center which operates in Easthampton, which prompted many in the pro-life community to be concerned about the intent of the ordinance and if, in fact, it would ultimately impact Bethlehem House.

Owen Zaret, councilor at large ,who co-sponsored the ordinance, has repeatedly said Bethlehem House would not be affected by the ordinance and called their work “laudable.”

Zaret had this response to Thursday’s vandalism: “Vandalism of any kind for any purpose has no place in our community or country. This is an act of extremism and terrorism. We settle disagreements through conversation, not through violence.”

Since the Roe decision in June, nationwide there have been calls to crack down legislatively on pregnancy care centers that some believe deceive women. On Wednesday, July 6, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey issued a statement claiming pregnancy centers use “deceptive and coercive tactics.”

A warning about pregnancy care centers is listed on Healey’s mass.gov website. There is no mention of the vandalism that took place in Worcester or in Easthampton.

“It should be greatly disturbing to all people of goodwill that an organization that assists women and families is the target of such violence against women,” said Father Daniel Pacholec, the director of pro-life activities for the Diocese of Springfield. “‘Jane’s Revenge’ and any organization associated with it should be held criminally liable.”

No arrests have been made and police are still investigating.

Bethlehem House has helped hundreds of families through the years and helped welcome multiple sets of twins and triplets. A Feb. 22, 2022 segment about the center on the diocese’s weekly newsmagazine, “Real to Reel,” can be viewed at this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tDDW-rxGDS8.