Homemade Explosive Detonated At Wisconsin Planned Parenthood

By Samantha Abernethy in News on Apr 2, 2012 6:20PM

A homemade bombed exploded at a Planned Parenthood clinic in eastern Wisconsin Sunday night, causing a small fire. No one was at the clinic at the time, and no injuries were reported. Grand Chute, Wisc. fire officials quickly put out the blaze and contacted police when the incendiary device was discovered.

The bomb was placed on an outside windowsill and caused damage to an examination room. The Appleton Post-Crescent reports the police say they had no reports of threats prior to the incident. Police said the device was built of a plastic bottle and chemical agents and “included agents of an incendiary quality.” Police have not made any arrests yet.

According to its website, Appleton North Health Center offers abortion services. The President and CEO of Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin Teri Huyck said the clinic will reopen Tuesday and released the following statement.

“For 77 years, the dedicated staff at Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin have worked to ensure that women and families will always be able to access affordable, high-quality health care in a safe and caring environment in which their privacy and dignity is respected.

“We care for 80,000 patients statewide who turn to us for medical exams, lifesaving cancer screenings, birth control and STD testing and treatment. Over 97 percent of the health care services we provide are critical, preventive care such as this. At three of our 27 centers, we provide abortion care, a critical component of comprehensive women’s health care.

“Last night around 7:40 p.m. the Grand Chute Fire Department was called to our Appleton North Health Center. Police are telling us that a small, homemade explosive device was placed on an outside windowsill causing a small fire that burned out prior to the fire department arriving. There was minimal damage to one of the exam rooms. No staff or patients were injured or present. The health center will reopen tomorrow. Our primary concern today—as always--- is our patients, staff and volunteers.

“Women deserve safe and compassionate care, and we are proud to provide it. Rest assured, our doors will remain open for the thousands of women who rely on Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin each year for high quality health care.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the law enforcement agencies working with us to ensure Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin continues to be a safe and trusted health care provider for Wisconsin women and families.”