Operation Rescue is a controversial Christian organization that opposes abortion. Its nationwide actions against abortion have ranged from civil disobedience to members being involved in clinic violence. Supporters believe it is answering a spiritual calling to save “unborn children.” Opponents believe Operation Rescue has violently and criminally limited the reproductive rights of women by intimidating them and the doctors who provide their care.

Founded by Randall Terry in 1986, Operation Rescue garnered attention for drawing thousands of anti-abortion protestors to its “rescues” (protests in which participants attempted to unlawfully block entrance to abortion clinics). Two notable actions included a mass protest at the 1988 Democratic National Convention in Atlanta and the “Spring of Life” protests in Buffalo, New York, in 1992. Autonomous chapters of the organization ...