Exclusive: Controversial Abortion Clinic (Bellevue, Ne) Gives Us Tour Of Clinic

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.action3news.com/Global/story.asp?S=11016375&nav=menu550_2

Bellevue, NE - The one man who has become the central figure in a national abortion debate sits down for a one-on-one interview with Action 3 News. Doctor LeRoy Carhart shows us the facility some say is a safe haven for women, while others call a crime scene.

Action 3 News shows you the man and the facility behind the divisive debate.

Walking down the hallway of the Bellevue Abortion Clinic, the walls are tan, the hallway narrow. The man leading the tour, Doctor LeRoy Carhart who insists he has nothing to hide.

The anti-abortion group, Operation Rescue claims four past employees at the clinic say his staff is unqualified and the clinic has unclean conditions. "We've already identified several things that this clinic is violating state statues and we're going to be meeting with the attorney general to close this abortion clinic down once and for all," said Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue.

Carhart calls the claims outright lies. He shows us where tools are sterolized, the ultra-sound room, and pharmacy that's under lock and key.

Since the murder of his friend and abortion doctor, Dr. George Tiller; he's even more aware of the danger that comes with his job. "I think about security a lot more than the average person," said Bellevue Abortion Clinic Dr. LeRoy Carhart. But he says that will never stop him from fighting for what he feels is right. Performing late-term abortions for woman he says face gut-wrenching circumstances. "We're not going to allow them to deny us our choice," Carhart said.

He knows it's a choice that will never be without controversy. "We are asking people to chose life today and forever," said Newman.

"Bottom line, is it all worth it?" "Absolutely," Carhart said.

No matter what happens now or in the future, both sides of the issue will continue to fight for what they believe.

Posted by: Reporter, Erika Summers, [e-mail]

[Scout]

1. thanks for all you are doing for reproductive rights, OS n/t