For the first time an Oregon anti-stalking law has been used to protect an abortion provider from anti-abortion harassment. All Women’s Health Services executive director Jude Hanzo received a permanent stalking order against Paul deParrie, who has been stalking and harassing her for over a year. Under the stalking order deParrie is required to stay away from Hanzo’s home.

DeParrie is editor of the Oregon-based Life Advocate magazine, which discusses "justifiable homicide" to stop abortion providers. DeParrie has picketed Hanzo’s home; distributed "Wanted" posters with her photo and unlisted home phone number; threatened her with phone calls and mail; and placed her on a "hit list" of abortion providers.

Similar anti-stalking laws in Texas and Florida have also been used to prevent anti-abortion extremists from stalking abortion providers.

The All Women’s Health Services has already spent over $10,000 on legal costs fighting deParrie, and will have to spend more if he appeals the ruling, which he has said he will. Tax deductible contributions can be sent to: Legal Support Fund, c/o All Women’s Health Services, 1020 NE 2nd Ave #200, Portland, OR 97232.

Hanzo has also received help from an unexpected quarter. Paul deParrie’s niece, Eileen deParrie, has set up a campaign to raise money for Jude Hanzo’s legal fees. "It is because of my uncle’s anti-abortion activities that I have chosen to do this campaign," said Eileen deParrie. "I will continue until my uncle stops. I want to help women who are most affected by my uncle’s activities."

In related news, an initiative to ban 2nd and 3rd trimester abortions in Oregon failed to gain enough signatures to be on the ballot this fall. The anti-abortion group behind the initiative, Oregon citizens Alliance, said they couldn’t get enough volunteers to collect the signatures. The group said they would try again in 1998.