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Abortion Clinic Violence as Terrorism

NCJ Number
122509
Journal
Terrorism Volume: 11 Issue: 4 Dated: (1988) Pages: 263-273
Author(s)
M Wilson; J Lynxwiler
Date Published
1988
Length
11 pages
Annotation
The pro-choice movement has defined violence against abortion clinics and other activities directed against patients and staff of abortion facilities as terrorism.
Abstract
While the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has maintained that these actions are not terrorism, this article suggests that there is a correspondence between incidents perpetrated between 1982 and 1987 and standards classifications of "limited political" or "subrevolutionary" terrorism. Perhaps the FBI has declined to accept the terrorism definition because of its preoccupation with international events which are seen in terms of administrative or jurisdictional definitions. Pro-choice advocates believe the omission of anti-abortion violence from the terrorism list is a consequence of political influence by the current administration. 2 tables, 4 notes, 41 references. (Author abstract modified)