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Prosecutors file complaint against anti-abortion protester
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Federal prosecutors Monday filed a criminal complaint against a Penn Hills woman who they said pushed volunteers outside of the Planned Parenthood of Western Pennsylvania clinic Downtown.
Meredith Parente, 55, violated the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances Act of 1994, according to the complaint filed in U.S. District Court, when on Jan. 15 she shoved two people who were escorting a potential patient to the facility. The Planned Parenthood location is the scene of frequent anti-abortion protests.
If guilty, she can be assessed a civil penalty of $15,000 and damages of $5,000 to the two victims, the complaint said.
The complaint also asks a judge to prohibit Ms. Parente from coming within 25 feet of Planned Parenthood, and an order permitting police to enforce such an injunction.
Ms. Parente declined comment.
First Published November 8, 2011 12:00 am
