Planned Parenthood's move to East Knoxville proves controversial

Planned Parenthood's move to East Knoxville proves controversial

By ANN KEIL
6 News Reporter

KNOXVILLE (WATE) -- A pro-life group is again protesting a move in Knoxville by Planned Parenthood of Middle and East Tennessee.

Pro-Life Coalition of East Tennessee claims Planned Parenthood, the organization that provides the abortion pill RU486, undermines family values.

"They are about big business and money and abortion is the way they get their money," says Lisa Morris, spokesperson for Pro-Life Coalition of East Tennessee.

In August 2009, Planned Parenthood tried to move into a building on Homberg Drive in Bearden, but the move was protested by the coalition.

Planned Parenthood and the owner of the property later decided mutually to go their separate ways.

At a news conference on Tuesday, the Pro-Life Coalition was joined by local religious leaders who signed a declaration vowing to stand together in opposition of Planned Parenthood.

Their concern is a building on Cherry Street in East Knoxville where Planned Parenthood is relocating its offices.

"We've come together to make a statement that we believe in life," says Knoxville Bishop Richard Stika.

However, nurse practitioner Carolyn Moore says Planned Parenthood provides a needed service in Knoxville.

"I spend less than 20 percent of my time preparing and providing counseling services for abortions," Moore says.

Renovations are underway in the building, which was purchased through an LLC, a practice Lisa Morris and other anti-abortion advocates claim is deceptive and unethical.

Planned Parenthood's President and CEO Jeff Teague spoke with 6 News by phone from Nashville Tuesday to respond to that claim. 

"This is an example of the same unfounded, faceless charges they level all the time," Teague says.

He adds, "We feel like we're honoring family values. We are on the ground providing services to the people."

The anti-abortion advocates at Tuesday's new conference, on the other hand, are unwilling to give up.

"Not in this community, not in any community. We do not want Planned Parenthood in Knoxville," Morris says.

Members of the anti-abortion group also tell 6 News that months ago, they warned local commercial realtors that Planned Parenthood might attempt to purchase property under an assumed identity.

In this case, Planned Parenthood used Leonard Lawson LLC.

University of Tennessee law professor Joan Heminway says using an LLC is a normal and fairly typical business practice.

Teague says Planned Parenthood will open as soon as possible.