Abortion Protests And Counter Protests In Full Swing In Jackson

Between 40 and 50 members of the anti-abortion group Operation Save America have been busy in Jackson.

They began a public protest in Jackson on Tuesday afternoon. On Wednesday, the ministry group began its demonstrations near Jackson Hole High and Middle Schools and along Broadway. The group planned to mount a 10-by-80-foot sign on Town Square.

Spokesmen said the protesters want to close what they call Wyoming’s last abortion clinic in Jackson. St. John’s Medical Center was also expected to be a focus of the group’s activity.

A counter group, known as Jackson Hole United, has also taken to the streets providing what it calls a human detour around what it considers graphic depictions of abortion. Leaders of the opposition group say they are citizens with various views on abortion, but committed to protecting their community and children from graphic images of abortion used by the Operation Save America protesters.

According to Teton County authorities, Operation Save America intends to assemble and preach using amplified music worship sound, handheld signs and a display that will depict photographic images and language. Under permits issued by the city of Jackson, the group must remove its displays by 6 p.m. each evening. They group will not protest Saturday in Town Square as Boy Scouts convene on the Town Square for this year’s Elkfest celebration.

Jackson police said they are working closely with Teton County, St. John’s Medical Center, the Teton School District and other affected parties throughout the demonstrations, which are expected to continue through Sunday.

Residents with questions are encouraged to contact Jackson police at (307) 733-1430.