Joe Scheidler and Naples pro-lifers at the home of abortionist Fernando Betancourt.
When the Naples Pro-Life Council invited Joe and Ann Scheidler down for a visit last weekend, longtime friend of the League and activist Jim Finnegan thought it would be a great occasion to organize a picket of two local abortionists’ homes. Being a supporter and innovator of hard-hitting approaches to activism, Joe jumped at the chance.
Though it’s a controversial tactic, it’s one that has driven abortion workers out of the industry for good. It’s even a chapter in Joe’s landmark activism manual, CLOSED: 99 Ways to Stop Abortion. In fact, an abortionist was converted in Naples a few years ago after a home picket. Local activists picketed abortionist Wallace McClaine’s home and he decided to pull up stakes and quit the business!
So with prayers for conversion in their hearts, Joe joined a group of stalwart activists—including some students from nearby Ave Maria University—to picket the homes of abortionists Phillip Waterman from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and Fernando Betancourt from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Carrying signs calling for the doctors’ repentance as well as pictures of the victims of abortion, the group confronted the doctors with the results of their work and alerted the neighborhoods to the kind of men were living in their midst.
The next day, Ann Scheidler delivered a seminar on Sidewalk Counseling techniques to an eager group of new recruits.
All in all, the trip was a success. Thanks to the Naples Pro-Life Council and all who attended for making this weekend of pro-life activism a reality!
