The Pro-Choice Network of Western New York (PCN) began in 1988 in response to aggressive anti-choice demonstrations at local abortion clinics. The first action of PCN was to implement a volunteer escort service to accompany patients through clinic parking lots. It also started a monthly newsletter to keep its members informed about pro-choice issues. As membership grew, committees were formed concerned with media, programs, politics, law and fundraising.

By 1990, the clinic blockades of the anti-choice protesters were reaching a peak. PCN filed for and received a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) in response to a planned blockade. Further violations of the TRO led the PCN to file for a Preliminary Injunction which was granted in 1992. The Preliminary Injunction, as an extension of the TRO, banned demonstrating within fifteen feet of doorways or doorway entrances, parking lot entrances, driveways and driveway entrances of clinic facilities. This injunction was later upheld by Supreme Court in the case of Paul Schenck and Dwight Saunders, Petitioners v. Pro-Choice Network of Western New York et al., 1997, No. 95-1065, 519 U.S. 357.

It was during 1992, that anti-choice protesters, Operation Rescue used blockade tactics to temporarily shut down a clinic in Wichita, Kansas. Leaders of Operation Rescue called for the next blockades to take place in Buffalo on April 18-25, 1992, where they were publicly welcomed by >Mayor James Griffin. Their two week demonstration was called "The Spring of Life," but was referred to by pro-choice advocates as "The Spring of Lies." Locally and nationally, pro-choice activists mobilized for Operation Rescue's visit, outnumbered anti-choice demonstrators significantly, and kept clinics open during this volatile time.

On October 23, 1998, Dr. Barnett Slepian, an obstetrician-gynecologist whose services included abortion procedure, was assassinated in his home by an anti-choice radical. Dr. Slepian was an activist and a PCN member. PCN started a memorial fund in his honor.

The years following the Spring of Life/Lies events and the assassination of Dr. Slepian brought forth additional local demonstrations and subsequent lawsuits. PCN continued its advocacy for reproductive rights in Western New York.

PCN Mission Statement: from website http://www.thepcn.org [last accessed November 15, 2006]

The Pro-Choice Network of Western New York celebrates the lives of women in all their diversity. Accordingly, we believe that it is the sole province of any woman to make any and all decisions with regard to her own body. We exist as an organization to support that right with respect to an individual woman's culture and conscience.

As in the past, we will continue to support the right of any woman to choose or not choose abortion. We stand firmly with our sisters in opposition of intimidation, harassment or other forms of violence from those who seek to challenge this right whether coming from the legislature, the medical or religious communities, or private individuals and organizations. We oppose specific abridgements such as laws requiring parental notification for minors, spousal notification or consent, and the enforcement of mandatory waiting periods for women seeking pregnancy termination.

We acknowledge that controlling a woman's body and reproductive choice is analogous to controlling her destiny. We continue to engage in any and all legal activities which protect the personal integrity and reproductive rights of women. We will do this by organization, education personal integrity and reproductive rights of women. We will do this by organization, education and peaceful demonstration and debate. We will continue to promote the safety of women entering and leaving clinics by providing escorts and engaging in non-violent action.

We encourage participation in this organization by individuals of all backgrounds, genders, and ages. We recognize that the demands of our lives may limit what any given individual may be able to contribute and extend our welcome to all who might lend their time and talent to this effort.