More than 200 people attended a march and prayer vigil on Saturday outside the site of a new women’s clinic in Jamaica that will offer abortions among its services.
Choices Women’s Medical Center, currently in Long Island City, will relocate to 147-32 Jamaica Ave. in Jamaica as of Friday.
The protesters attended Mass at Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church on Parsons Boulevard and recited the Rosary both during the five-block march to what will be the patient’s entrance on 147th Place, and at the site.
A police escort accompanied the crowd, and barriers were in place to keep the marchers off the sidewalk outside the clinic.
No one representing the clinic appeared to be on-site Saturday. The demonstration was peaceful.
No one from the clinic was available for comment on Monday, but its Website states that it offers gynecological services, prenatal care for pregnant women and counseling as well as abortion services.
During the Mass, the Rev. Monsignor Philip Reilly criticized the name of Choices for a clinic that provides abortions.
“Congress and the courts do not make you a person,” he said. Reilly spearheads numerous antiabortion efforts in the Diocese of Brooklyn.
He also asked the congregation to pray for the mothers and fathers who choose to end pregnancies, as well as the employees and staff of the center.
All services provided that had been available in Long Island City will be available at the Jamaica site.
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