Jim Sedlack, the vice president of American Life League, started STOPP International in 1985 to shut down Planned Parenthood.

STOPP believes that Planned Parenthood "supports ideas, philosophies and
actions that are completely opposed to the Ten Commandments given to us by
God." The group attempts to shut down Planned Parenthood centers by
decreasing the flow of patients by using street teams and other methods to
convince people not to go.

STOPP claims it shut sown 19 Planned Parenthood centers in the Texas
Panhandle, and sent a news release announcing so: "Planned Parenthood
Out of Texas Panhandle: STOPP Plan Ousts Abortion Chain from Amarillo: In
1997, Planned Parenthood operated 19 clinics in the Texas Panhandle. As of
Jan. 1, 2009, the local affiliate with its two remaining clinics will change
names and sever ties with the Planned Parenthood Federation of America."

STOPP last was in El Paso in 2001. If they were successful in decreasing
traffic to PP, they won't be able to see these results until the financial
statements (990s) are available for 2007 and 2008. (Click here to for 2006 990s.)

"STOPP is not taking direct credit for any of the El Paso Planned Parenthood
closures yet. But as the information unfolds over the next few months, it
may be clear that our activities in El Paso may have contributed," said Jim
Sedlack, Vice President of American Life League.

Citing financial strains as the main issue, Diane Quest, spokesperson for
Planned Parenthood, had this to say about the El Paso closures: "Planned
Parenthood Center of El Paso's closure is unfortunate and understandably a
surprise to the community. Since 2003, the Planned Parenthood El Paso
affiliate has had some difficulty in meeting certain financial indicators
for accreditation. Like many non-profits there have been ups and downs.

"Ultimately the financial strain became too much and the organization was
not sustainable. Planned Parenthood's national office is dedicated to
seeking out new opportunities to once again enable Planned Parenthood health
care services to be provided in El Paso and hopes to serve the community in
the future."

Yet according to several sources, finances had never been an issue for the
organization. "We couldn't pass a bad budget," said one former board member
who was not willing to speak on record.

Betty Hoover, director for Planned Parenthood for 13 years, left May 11,
2007. When Hoover left the organization there were no signs that the El Paso
branches would close. "This news came as a shock and surprise to me," said
Hoover, who declined further comment.

Patients will be transferred to La Fe Clinic. (Click here for letter instructing Planned Parenthood patients on how to deal with the closure.)

Angelica Talavera, executive director at House of Hope, which opposes
abortion, hopes that women seeking abortion counseling will find themselves
at clinics such as hers, which are dedicated to promoting adoption rather
than abortion.

"I have to say that I'm happy that the Planned Parenthood branches are
closing in El Paso," Talavera said. Talavera believes Planned Parenthood
promoted abortion, instead of options, and said that "their clients would
come to us looking for counseling on adoption."

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To reach Lisa Degliantoni, write to lisad@epmediagroup.com or call (915)351-0605, ext. 29.