When Republican legislators in Des Moines put together a showing of the movie “Unplanned,” Rep. Art Staed (D-Cedar Rapids) criticized the film. He said the problem with the film is it is not a true story.
That prompted a reply to Staed from Sue Thayer. Thayer was a Planned Parenthood Center Manager for nearly 18 years. But she eventually had a change of heart and led Storm Lake’s first 40 Days For Life campaign at the same clinic she supervised for years.
Text of Thayer’s letter to Rep. Staed:
Dear Representative Staed,
We’ve not met and I am not a constituent. However, I am aware that you have made public statements regarding your perceptions of the movie “Unplanned”. Before I go further, please allow me to share a bit about myself.
Born and raised in Storm Lake, I was a Center Manager for Planned Parenthood of Greater Iowa for nearly 18 years. Although neither of the facilities I managed was a surgical center, I often filled in for staff at abortion facilities. It is safe to say that I have participated in and witnessed many surgical terminations.
While I did not work at Abby Johnson’s facility, I do know Abby personally and have no reason to doubt her story. I am also aware of how Planned Parenthood tried to discredit her, even filing charges in an attempt to silence her.
Whether or not Abby’s personal story is true, it does not negate the validity of the movie. The abortion scenes very accurately depict the process of surgical termination. And yes, unborn babies in the womb do indeed try to twist away from the cannula. They feel pain and they know fear. Remember that this happens roughly 3,000 times every single day in the US.
I believe that everyone should see the movie. Surely those who advocate for the murder of unborn children could be expected to witness exactly what it is they support? Of course it’s rated R. After all, it is murder. It’s bloody and graphic and ends with a lifeless baby, torn to pieces and in a little glass bowl. As excellent yet troubling as the movie is, I can assure you that witnessing it on a screen pales in comparison to being present in the surgical suite – the sights, the sounds, the pain and then the end result. It is nothing you ever forget.
You say you have done extensive research. Me too. Eighteen years of on-the-job research. Let’s get together and compare notes. Unless you were working at the Bryan-College Station Planned Parenthood, how can you state that Abby’s story never happened? Do you honestly believe that a pro-life response to the death and dismemberment of over 61,000,000 babies is a political stunt?
Those who are steadfastly pro-abortion have nothing to lose but a couple of hours, should they choose to see for themselves the truth of abortion. It would be my pleasure to talk with you either in person or by phone/text/email. I would gladly pay for you and your family and your staff to see the movie. I’ll even buy the popcorn!
Thank you for your time,
Sue Thayer
Staed replied to Thayer’s letter:
Thank you for your personal perspective and the invitation.
The issue was about showing this movie at the Capitol. It would be wrong no matter what my views.
However, Staed clearly said that “Unplanned” was untrue.
