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Business & Tech

Pro-life Groups Set Up Shop Near Germantown Abortion Clinic

Operation Rescue and the Maryland Coalition for Life sign lease across the parking lot from LeRoy Carhart's office in Germantown.

Ever since it was announced late last year that would be moving his 25-year Nebraska practice to Maryland, Germantown residents have spoken out against the doctor's abortion clinic.

The clinic officially opened its doors on Executive Park Terrace in December 2010 and since that time, there have been numerous from concerned citizens who oppose Carhart's late-term abortion practices.

Now, two pro-life advocacy groups, have decided to set up shop directly across the street from Carhart's business in Germantown. It has been reported that both the Christian-based  Operation Rescue and the Maryland Coalition for Life, also the creators of the website KickOutCarhart.com, have signed a lease to open up offices beginning in early April.

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According to a statement issued by Operation Rescue, "The office will be used as a place of prayer for pro-life supporters, but will also act as a resource and referral center for vulnerable and needy pregnant women as well as post-abortive women."

Operation Rescue has been looking to open an office since December, when Carhart opened Germantown Reproductive Health Services. And while protests have taken place ever since, officials say this office will not be a place of protest, rather a place where women can get help and pro-life supporters can pray for their well-being.

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The organizations will work with local pregnancy centers and a local physician who will offer free ultrasounds to abortion-vulnerable women.

"Locating an office like this across from the most notorious late-term abortionist in the country was a high priority for us. We wanted to do more than just ask women not to abort their babies. We wanted to provide them with practical assistance, spiritual guidance, and true friendship so that abortion would no longer be a consideration. This office will do all of that," said Operation Rescue President Troy Newman, in a statement.

Michael Martelli, Executive Director of Maryland Coalition for Life, added: "This Center is going to have a profound impact on Germantown by offering women a life-affirming alternative directly across the parking lot from Carhart's late-term abortion mill. The churches and the community of Germantown have really come together to make this a reality."

The groups plan to move in to their new office by the end of the week.

Carhart could not be reached for comment.

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