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Date: 8/30/2022
EASTHAMPTON – An investigation into vandalism that occurred at Bethlehem House Pregnancy Center in Easthampton is still ongoing, according to Easthampton Police Lt. Dennis Scribner.
On Aug. 18, red and white graffiti was found at the controversial “crisis pregnancy center” on Knipfer Avenue.
According to photos provided to Reminder Publishing, “if abortions aren’t safe, neither are you” was spray-painted on the sidewalk outside of Bethlehem House, while another message on a bench at the faith-based nonprofit read, “Jane’s Revenge.” Red paint was also splattered on the side of the building, and another discrete message was painted on other signs.
According to its website, the Bethlehem House provides confidential services to pregnant women and men in need.
“Because this is currently under investigation, we don’t have any additional details for release at this time,” Scribner told Reminder Publishing on Aug. 23. “We will provide an update when we are able.”
Bethlehem House, which is also supported by Springfield Diocese’s Annual Catholic Appeal, said on its website that it has offered free pregnancy resources to women since 2006. It is considered a pro-life ministry run by volunteers that provides women facing a pregnancy crisis with free diapers, wipes, baby clothes, strollers, pack-and-plays, car seats and strollers.
“I was very sad to hear that vandals targeted Bethlehem House,” said Bishop William Byrne from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield. “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,” Byrne continued. “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.”
Last month, two other clinics were also targeted with spray-painted messages of “Jane’s Revenge” in Worcester, one being at the Clearway Clinic and the other at Problem Pregnancy.
The Bethlehem House has been under the spotlight in recent months after the City Council conducted two public hearings for a proposed ordinance designed to stop deceptive advertising practices by pregnancy centers offering limited services.
Back in June, Reminder Publishing reported that the originally-drafted ordinance was brought forth by Councilor Owen Zaret and read, “no limited services pregnancy center, with the intent to perform a pregnancy-related service, shall make or disseminate before the public, or cause to be made or disseminated before the public, in any newspaper or other publication, through any advertising device, or in any other manner, including, but not limited to, through use of the Internet, any statement concerning any pregnancy-related service or the provision of any pregnancy-related service that is deceptive, whether by statement or omission, and that a limited services pregnancy center knows or reasonably should know to be deceptive.”
Zaret said, during that meeting, “This is a concern across the country. So, I felt that it was responsible especially with the growing anti-choice movement in this country, to make sure that we are safeguarding all and any loopholes for people to protect their reproductive freedom.”
The proposed ordinance was initially approved and recommended by the Ordinance Committee in a 3-0 vote but was sent back to the committee in July after residents and councilors expressed concern about the “deceptive practices” phrasing.
Violations of the ordinance could be subject to fines of up to $300.
Zaret, the chairman of the city’s Public Safety Committee, sent a statement to Reminder Publishing condemning the vandalism.
“Vandalism of any kind for any purpose has no place in our community or country,” said Zaret. This is an act of extremism and terrorism. We settle disagreements through conversation, not through violence. As chair of Public Safety, I condemn this and any similar act. As a resident it makes me sorrowful that such hate exists within our midst.”