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'{{Short description|US anti-abortion organization}} {{See also|History of Operation Rescue|Operation Save America}} {{Use mdy dates|date=November 2015}} {{Infobox organization |name=Operation Rescue (Kansas) |logo=Logo of Operation Rescue.png |logo_size= 150px |founded= |founder= |key_people=[[Cheryl Sullenger]] |type=[[Anti-abortion]] activism |location=[[Wichita, Kansas|Wichita]], [[Kansas]] |website= {{URL|https://www.operationrescue.org/|operationrescue.org}} }} '''Operation Rescue''' (formerly '''Operation Rescue West''' or '''California Operation Rescue'''), the operating name of '''Youth Ministries Inc.''', is an American [[United States pro-life movement|anti-abortion organization]].<ref name="operationrescue1">{{cite web|url=http://www.operationrescue.org/about-us/who-we-are/ |title=Who We Are |date=July 14, 2009 |publisher=Operationrescue.org |access-date=February 22, 2015}}</ref> The organization originated in [[California]] and is now based in [[Kansas]]. Operation Rescue West was founded by Operation Rescue's tactical director, Jeff White, as a branch of [[Randall Terry]]'s original Operation Rescue organization. Under White, Operation Rescue West maintained its focus on abortion. White left leadership to [[Troy Newman (activist)|Troy Newman]] in 1999 following an $880,000 judgment against Operation Rescue for harassment and intimidation of [[Planned Parenthood]] staff and its leadership. In 2002, Newman moved the headquarters to [[Wichita, Kansas]],<ref>National Public Radio: [http://m.npr.org/story/105135614 What's Next For Slain Abortion Doctor's Clinic?] June 9, 2009.</ref> to focus its efforts on late-term abortion provider [[George Tiller]], who was [[assassination of George Tiller|assassinated]] in 2009. Their headquarters is now located in a former abortion clinic which closed due to harassment by Operation Rescue and was purchased by Newman through a front group.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2007/03/exorcists/ |title=The Exorcists |date=March-April 2007 |work=Mother Jones |first=Josh |last=Harkinson}}</ref> ==Activities== After the [[Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act]]<ref>[http://www.prochoice.org/about_abortion/facts/face_act.html Prochoice.org] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081127021753/http://www.prochoice.org/about_abortion/facts/face_act.html |date=November 27, 2008 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cpquery/22?&sid=cp104gVLyy&l_f=1&l_file=list/cp104cs.lst&hd_count=50&l_t=397&refer=&r_n=sr022.104&db_id=104&item=22&sel=TOC_25573& |title=Committee Reports - 104th Congress (1995-1996) - Senate Report 104-022 |publisher=Thomas.loc.gov |date=September 30, 1994 |access-date=February 22, 2015 |archive-date=January 14, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114115136/http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/cpquery/22?&sid=cp104gVLyy&l_f=1&l_file=list%2Fcp104cs.lst&hd_count=50&l_t=397&refer=&r_n=sr022.104&db_id=104&item=22&sel=TOC_25573& |url-status=dead }}</ref> was signed into law in May 1994 by President [[Bill Clinton]], Operation Rescue West implemented new tactics that did not involve arrest. Operation Rescue operates a fleet of what it refers to as "Truth Trucks", large panel vehicles that bear images of aborted fetuses.<ref>Protesters Who Push Limits, ''Los Angeles Times'', February 17, 2004</ref> These "Truth Trucks" travel around the nation showing what Operation Rescue describes as "grisly truth about abortion." The organization offers a $25,000 reward for reports of criminal activity at abortion clinics which leads to a criminal conviction of what it describes as "abortionists".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.operationrescue.org/archives/abortion-whistleblowers-earn-a-10000-reward |title=Abortion Whistleblowers – Earn A $25,000 Reward! |publisher=Operationrescue.org |date=January 14, 2010 |access-date=October 14, 2013}}</ref> The first award was given in 2011 to a former employee at an abortion clinic.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.operationrescue.org/archives/former-abortion-worker-to-receive-first-abortion-whistleblower-reward-of-25000 |title=Former Abortion Worker to Receive First Abortion Whistleblower Reward of $25,000 |publisher=Operationrescue.org |date=January 20, 2011 |access-date=October 14, 2013}}</ref> ===Malachi Award=== {{Update section|date=May 2022}} The Malachi Award is an annual award given for service to the [[anti-abortion]] movement. It is named after a fetus discovered outside an abortion clinic in Texas. The name means "my messenger" and was given to the fetus by the executive secretary of [[The Lambs of Christ|New York Lambs of Christ]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=825330 |title=Culture |publisher=Onenewsnow.com |access-date=October 14, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120319003104/http://www.onenewsnow.com/Culture/Default.aspx?id=825330 |archive-date=March 19, 2012 |url-status=dead }}</ref> {| class="wikitable" |- ! colspan="4" style="background:#ffdead;"| Recipients of Operation Save America's Annual Malachi Award |- ! Name ! Year ! Reason ! Note |- | [[Phill Kline]]<ref name="CNW">{{cite press release|url=http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/316091762.html |title=Operation Rescue Announces 2006 Recipients of the Malachi Man and Woman of the Year Awards |publisher=Christian Newswire |access-date=October 14, 2013}}</ref> | rowspan=2| 2006 | Investigations of [[George Tiller]] and [[Planned Parenthood]],<ref name="CNW">{{cite press release|url=http://www.christiannewswire.com/news/316091762.html |title=Operation Rescue Announces 2006 Recipients of the Malachi Man and Woman of the Year Awards |publisher=Christian Newswire |access-date=October 14, 2013}}</ref> later found to be unethical with loss of his ability to continue practice of law.<ref>{{cite news | work = Kansas City Star | url = https://www.kansascity.com/news/local/article347366.html | title = Supreme Court denies Kansas' Phill Kline appeal on law license suspension |access-date=April 7, 2020}}</ref> |U.S Supreme Court upheld suspension |- | [[Leslee Unruh]] | Spearheading the South Dakota abortion ban.<ref name="CNW"/> | |- | Johnny Hunter | | Exposing what the group believes to be the devastating effects of abortion on the African American community.{{Cn|date=April 2020}} | |- | [[Lila Rose]] | 2008 | For exposing illegal activity in abortion clinics.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.religiondispatches.org/archive/politics/1405/planned_parenthood_%E2%80%98stung%E2%80%99_by_lila_rose |title=Planned Parenthood 'Stung' By Lila Rose &#124; Politics |publisher=Religion Dispatches |date=June 18, 2009 |access-date=October 14, 2013}}</ref><ref>[http://www.cbs42.com/content/localnews/story/Planned-Parenthood-Caught-Breaking-the-Law/C41MzG-1vU-u0KRpHkAl3A.cspx CBS] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708124709/http://www.cbs42.com/content/localnews/story/Planned-Parenthood-Caught-Breaking-the-Law/C41MzG-1vU-u0KRpHkAl3A.cspx |date=July 8, 2011 }}</ref> | |- | [[Murder of Jim Pouillon|James Pouillon]] | 2009 | Murdered at a “[[pro-life]]” protest at Owosso High School.<ref>[James M. Pouillon criticizes father, slain [[anti-abortion]] activist James L. Pouillon, in online post], ''[[Flint Journal]]'', Laura Angus.September 17, 2009, Updated April 04, 2019. Retrieved April 7, 2020.</ref> | Awarded posthumously |- | Eileen Smith | 2010 | Her daughter died during an abortion procedure; the doctor who performed the procedure pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to six months in jail.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/09/15/former_doctor_gets_prison_for_death_of_cape_abortion_patient/ |work=Boston Globe |title=Ex-doctor sentenced to prison in death of abortion patient |date=September 15, 2010 |first=Brian R. |last=Ballou}}</ref><ref>[https://www.bostonherald.com/2010/09/19/five-star-jail-on-marthas-vineyard/ Five-star jail on Martha's Vineyard? ],''[[Boston Herald]]'', Karen Jeffrey, September 19, 2010. Retrieved April 7, 2020.</ref> | |} ==Lawsuit over use of name== Randall Terry filed a lawsuit against Troy Newman in 2008, alleging misuse of the name "Operation Rescue." Former Rescue leaders, including Keith Tucci (director), Patrick Mahoney (media director), Jeff White (tactical director) have signed a statement in support of Newman. "We now feel compelled to speak up because Randall's actions are hurting the work of Troy Newman and Operation Rescue in their efforts to see George Tiller end his barbaric abortion practices in Wichita, Kansas. Additionally, we can no longer remain silent while Mr. Terry continues to fleece unsuspecting pro-life people out of hundreds of thousands of dollars for his personal and selfish gain."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.operationrescue.org/noblog/three-statements-concerning-randall-terrys-unbiblical-lawsuit-against-troy-newman/|title=Statements Concerning Randall Terry and His Unbiblical Lawsuit Against Troy Newman|date=June 15, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090215145024/http://www.operationrescue.org/three-statements-concerning-randall-terrys-unbiblical-lawsuit-against-troy-newman/ |archive-date=February 15, 2009 |website=Operation Rescue}}</ref> In 2006 after an investigation by the [[Internal Revenue Service]] into the nonprofit for [[electioneering]] in 2004, Operation Rescue West's [[tax exemption]] status was revoked. The group reopened under the name Operation Rescue.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/15/us/15tax.html|url-access=subscription|title=Anti-Abortion Group Loses Tax Exemption|first=Stephanie|last=Strom|date=September 15, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109040446/https://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/15/us/15tax.html|archive-date=November 9, 2020|website=[[New York Times]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://cjonline.com/stories/060108/kan_285040350.shtml#.WU9apWjytoY |title=Leaders battle over rights to 'Operation Rescue'|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171231212054/http://cjonline.com/stories/060108/kan_285040350.shtml#.WU9apWjytoY |archive-date=December 31, 2017 |via=[[The Topeka Capital-Journal]]|publisher=[[AP News]]|date=June 1, 2008|access-date=25 June 2017}}</ref> ==George Tiller== ===Efforts against Tiller=== Operation Rescue has publicized a number of allegedly "botched" abortions<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.justiceforchristin.com/ |title=justiceforchristin.com |publisher=justiceforchristin.com |date=January 13, 2005 |access-date=February 22, 2015}}</ref> at Tiller's Women's Health Care Services, including the death of Christin A. Gilbert following a [[third-trimester abortion]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Cheryl Sullenger |url=http://www.justiceforchristin.com/christin.htm |title=In Memory of Christin |publisher=Justiceforchristin.com |access-date=October 14, 2013}}</ref> Operation Rescue staff have also investigated and made allegations<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.operationrescue.org/archives/illegal-fetal-age-deception-scheme-uncovered-at-tiller%E2%80%99s-abortion-clinic/ |title=Illegal Fetal Age Deception Scheme Uncovered At Tiller's Abortion Clinic |publisher=Operationrescue.org |date=January 12, 2009 |access-date=February 22, 2015}}</ref> regarding other facilities around the country.<ref>[http://www.operationrescue.org/background-history-of-the-notorious-clinic-medica-para-la-mujer-de-hoy-abortion-chain/ Operationrescue.org] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090213052333/http://www.operationrescue.org/background-history-of-the-notorious-clinic-medica-para-la-mujer-de-hoy-abortion-chain/ |date=February 13, 2009 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.operationrescue.org/archives/pro-life-whistleblower-is-billed-1100-abortionist-hodari-fined-nothing/ |title=Pro-life Whistleblower Is Billed $1,100, Abortionist Hodari Fined Nothing For Illegal Dumping |publisher=Operationrescue.org |date=March 26, 2008 |access-date=February 22, 2015}}</ref> Dr. Tiller was cleared of any charges of medical neglect in the death of Christin Gilbert.{{Citation needed|date=February 2010|reason=No matter which side you fall on this debate, this is a statement that should be cited. Who cleared him? When was he cleared? What were the reasons he was cleared? etc.}} In September 2006, Newman and "personhood" [[anti-abortion]] activist Keith Mason showed up at an open-air gubernatorial debate dressed as cockroaches, protesting alleged unsanitary conditions at Tiller's clinic. Democratic State Rep. Vaughn Flora (Topeka) recognized Newman, tore his mask off, and was arrested for [[battery (crime)|battery]]. Flora was fined $100 in return for a [[nolo contendere|nolo plea]]. Newman later launched a $75,000 lawsuit against Flora which was dismissed. As of September 8, 2006, Youth Ministries Inc. (the incorporated name for Operation Rescue) had its [[501(c)(3)]] status revoked by the [[IRS]], following charges of improper use of contributions, and illegal endorsements of political candidates.<ref>[https://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=141466,00.html IRS] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070519024628/https://www.irs.gov/charities/charitable/article/0,,id=141466,00.html |date=May 19, 2007 }}</ref> Operation Rescue also worked to mobilize support in the [[Kansas Legislature|Kansas State Legislature]] to order the newly elected [[State Attorney General|Attorney General]], [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democrat]] [[Paul J. Morrison|Paul Morrison]], to reinstate misdemeanor charges that were dismissed on jurisdictional grounds against Dr. Tiller. The group planned a rally in front of the offices of ADA Nora Foulston, to present evidence of [[mass murder]] against Tiller. ===Response to Tiller's murder=== On May 31, 2009, [[assassination of George Tiller|Tiller was assassinated]] in his church. [[Scott Roeder]] of Merriam, KS was convicted of first degree murder in the shooting. Operation Rescue denounced Tiller's murder in numerous statements, describing it as "cowardly"<ref name="OR2">{{cite web|url=http://www.operationrescue.org/archives/operation-rescue-denounces-the-killing-of-abortionist-tiller/ |title=Operation Rescue Denounces The Killing of Abortionist Tiller |publisher=Operationrescue.org |date=May 31, 2009 |access-date=February 22, 2015}}</ref><ref name="bbc death">{{citation |title= US abortion doctor is shot dead |url= http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8076253.stm |date= June 1, 2009 |publisher= BBC |access-date= June 1, 2009}}</ref> and "antithetical to what we believe".<ref name="nytdeath">{{Citation |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/01/us/01tiller.html|title=Doctor Who Performed Abortions Is Shot to Death |access-date=May 31, 2009|date=May 31, 2009|work=New York Times|author=Monica Davey and Joe Stumpe}}</ref> The group also said that Roeder had "never been a member, contributor, or volunteer with Operation Rescue."<ref name="OR1">{{cite web|url=http://www.operationrescue.org/archives/operation-rescue-statement-regarding-suspect-in-tiller-killing/ |title=Operation Rescue Statement Regarding Suspect In Tiller Killing |publisher=Operationrescue.org |date=June 1, 2009 |access-date=February 22, 2015}}</ref> Roeder responded to Newman's disavowal by declaring, "Well, my gosh. I've got probably a thousand dollars worth of receipts, at least, from the money I've donated to him."<ref>Thomas, Judy. "Roeder Upset at Operation Rescue." Wichita Eagle July 26, 2009: A1.</ref> The phone number for Operation Rescue's senior policy advisor, [[Cheryl Sullenger]], was found on the dashboard of Scott Roeder's car.<ref name="KMBC">{{cite web |title= Phone number found inside car of man suspected of killing George Tiller belongs to woman who plotted 1988 clinic bombing |url= http://blogs.pitch.com/plog/2009/06/inside_the_car_of_the.php |date= June 1, 2009 |publisher= Pitch |access-date= June 3, 2009 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090602140253/http://blogs.pitch.com/plog/2009/06/inside_the_car_of_the.php |archive-date= June 2, 2009 |url-status= dead }}</ref> At first Sullenger, who was convicted for conspiring to blow up a California abortion clinic in 1988, denied any contact with him, saying that her phone number is freely available online. Then, she revised her statements, indicating that she informed [[Scott Roeder]] of where Dr Tiller would be at specific times: <blockquote>"He would call and say, 'When does court start? When's the next hearing?'" Sullenger said. "I was polite enough to give him the information. I had no reason not to. Who knew? Who knew, you know what I mean?"<ref name="McClatchy">{{cite web |title= Operation Rescue adviser helped Tiller suspect track doctor's court dates |url= http://www.mcclatchydc.com/256/story/69361.html |date= June 3, 2009 |publisher= McClatchy |access-date= June 3, 2009 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090606195048/http://www.mcclatchydc.com/256/story/69361.html |archive-date= June 6, 2009 |df= mdy-all }}</ref></blockquote> Women's Healthcare services was closed following his death. There were multiple efforts by a variety of physicians, activists, and organizations to open or reopen an abortion providing facility in Wichita. Trust Women Foundation reopened in the same facility in April 2013. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newsweek.com/george-tiller-murdered-abortion-doctor-trust-women-foundation-interview-1440383|title = Who was Dr. George Tiller? Legacy of murdered abortion doctor lives on through Trust Women Foundation| website=[[Newsweek]] |date = May 31, 2019}}</ref> ==See also== *[[History of Operation Rescue]] *[[George Tiller]], murdered doctor who provided late term abortions *[[Murder of David Gunn]] *[[Operation Save America]], formerly ''Operation Rescue'' and later ''Operation Rescue National'' ==References== {{Reflist|colwidth=30em}} ==Other sources== *''Operation Rescue: A Challenge to the Nation's Conscience'' by Philip F. Lawler (1992) {{ISBN|0-87973-506-6}} *''Live From the Gates of Hell: An Insider's Look at the Antiabortion Underground'' by Jerry Reiter (2000) {{ISBN|1-57392-840-2}} *"METRO DATELINES; Anti-Abortion Group Will Close Its Offices", The New York Times, December 17, 1990 *New York Times September 15, 2006 "Anti-Abortion Group Loses Tax Exemption" by Stephanie Strom *Jim Risen & Judy L. Thomas, ''Wrath of Angels: The American Abortion War'' (1998) 2001 *[https://web.archive.org/web/20090608010802/http://www.holysmoke.org/fem/fem0249.htm Clinics Prepare for Operation Rescue 1993] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20081223225034/http://www.courttv.com/trials/kopp/index.html CourtTV] ==External links== *{{Official website|https://www.operationrescue.org}} [[Category:Assassination of George Tiller]] [[Category:American Christian political organizations]] [[Category:Organizations based in Wichita, Kansas]] [[Category:Anti-abortion organizations in the United States]]'