Washington, D.C. (23 May 2008) – Habitat for Humanity has verbally agreed to an arrangement that would help Planned Parenthood open an abortion facility in Sarasota, Florida. The agreement, which reportedly has not been finalized, would fulfill a city requirement that would allow Planned Parenthood to acquire the occupancy permit it needs to open.
"According to zoning regulations, Planned Parenthood cannot build their abortion facility in the planned location without the presence of a multifamily liner building," said Jim Sedlak, vice president of American Life League. "Unfortunately, Planned Parenthood found a creative solution to its problem and is using Habitat for Humanity to achieve its objective. Planned Parenthood plans to sell land to Habitat for $10 so it can meet city requirements."
The Sarasota City Commission approved a plan on May 5, based on the agreement with Habitat, that would allow Planned Parenthood to open its facility. A letter that Planned Parenthood filed with the city before the meeting said, "We are excited to have Habitat be a part of the Planned Parenthood team."
"Habitat for Humanity, which claims to be a Christian ministry, says that this was only a real estate transaction," said Sedlak. "However, Planned Parenthood could not open its abortion facility without Habitat’s help."
Habitat for Humanity’s web site says that it "is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety."
"I don’t see how building a residence next to an organization that kills babies, pushes pornography and covers up for rapists gives a family dignity or safety," said Sedlak. "We are calling on everyone to contact Habitat for Humanity and demand they break this agreement."
Habitat for Humanity of Sarasota, Florida can be reached at 941-365-0700 and
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. Habitat for Humanity International’s complaint line is 1-800-461-9330.
American Life League was cofounded in 1979 by Judie Brown. It is the largest grassroots Catholic pro-life organization in the United States and is committed to the protection of all innocent human beings from the moment of creation to death. For more information or media inquiries, please contact Michael Hichborn at 540.659.4171.