Abby Sherwood, right, director of public affairs for Planned Parenthood in York, videotapes members of St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Mission on Friday. Mission members, seen here reflected in the front door, were led in prayer by Gabriel Tetherow, center left, and were on hand before the arrival of Bishop Kevin Rhoades. (DAILY RECORD / SUNDAY NEWS -- JASON PLOTKIN)
Two sides of the abortion debate met outside Planned Parenthood of York Friday morning.

Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Harrisburg celebrated a "pro-life mass" at Immaculate Conception B.V.M. Church in York, then led a group of about 100 parishioners on a five-block procession to Planned Parenthood on South Beaver Street.

There, he led the group, without incident, in praying the rosary from behind barricades on the opposite side of the street from the building. Then, they headed back to the church.

October is Respect Life month in the church, Rhoades said, and different events and activities are planned throughout churches and schools.

"Prayer is one of the activities," he said. The group went to Planned Parenthood to pray for "the protection of innocent human life" and for a change in culture, he said.

Similar demonstrations have been held at Planned Parenthood in Harrisburg, he said.

The bishop's group wasn't alone. At least an hour before they arrived, about 20 others were already praying outside the center's doors.

Members of St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Mission are at Planned Parenthood every Friday, said the Rev. Gabriel Tetherow. He said they want to make sure women coming to have abortions know there are alternatives.

On Friday, the mission group prayed and held signs, some showing pictures of aborted fetuses.

A police officer kept watch nearby.

A dozen people in white vests reading "escort" lined the entrance to the building and occasionally guided people inside.

"We have very dedicated escorts," said Abby Sherwood, public affairs director for Planned Parenthood. "They really care about keeping our doors open."

Sherwood said she respects that the groups can be there, but sometimes the protests can get out of hand.

She said she's videotaped abortion opponents using racial slurs toward those entering the building. Some protestors have followed staff members to their cars. Others sometimes try to block the way of people going into the building, she said.

"It's harassment of our patients," she said. "It's unfortunate."

Tetherow said the escorts from Planned Parenthood have been antagonist to his group when they try to hand out literature or talk to women going into the building.

Also of interest

· York County home to national pro-life leader