Roanoke County Supervisor’s event turns into a shouting match over Planned Parenthood
Al Bedrosian's anti-United Way campaign turns into shouting match
Roanoke County Supervisor Al Bedrosians event turned into a shouting match over Planned Parenthood funding
Posted: Monday, August 24, 2015 5:15 pm
By Carmen Forman carmen.forman@roanoke.com 981-3334
Roanoke County Supervisor Al Bedrosian wasnt the loudest voice at his own news conference Monday. ... After Bedrosian announced he would continue his campaign to end the county governments support for the United Way of Roanoke Valley because of its financial support to Planned Parenthood, a shouting match broke out between abortion opponents and Planned Parenthood supporters. ... Bedrosian repeatedly had to stop his remarks and appeal for calm.
One Roanoke County resident, Leigh Anne Woods, took off her shirt in front of Bedrosian to reveal scars from her double mastectomy, which she had weeks earlier due to breast cancer. Woods claimed she had learned breast health from Planned Parenthood and might not have discovered the cancer otherwise. ... Its more than birth control, Woods said of Planned Parenthood. Its more than abortion. They save lives.
Bedrosian has been on a crusade to stop the countys relationship with United Way since the release of undercover videos made by anti-abortion groups that claim to show national Planned Parenthood representatives discussing the sale of fetal tissue.
Roanokes United Way gives about $57,000 to Planned Parenthood for youth education programs. Local United Way CEO Afira DeVries has previously said none of the money going to Planned Parenthood funds abortions. ... Roanoke County doesnt give any money directly to the United Way. Since the 1980s, Roanoke County has facilitated a fundraising campaign for its more than 900 employees. The employees are able to donate to the United Way from their own pockets.