The security camera is gone. And the sign on the door says Planned Parenthood of Waco, the office that performs surgical and medical abortions, is closed.
"It's a partial victory," says John Pisciotta, Director of Pro-Life Waco.
THe group began protesting the clinic in 1996, two years after Planned Parenthood of Waco started performing abortions.
This past June, Pro-Life Waco opened a center in a home next to the clinic on Columbus Avenue to perform outreach.
"We've labored out here for many years, many dedicated people. And we're happy that it is closed but we're not celebrating with champagne," adds John.
But not celebrating he says because the clinic is not actually closing, but relocating.
In a media advisory released Wednesday, Planned Parenthood says the Planned Parenthood of Waco Family Planning and Surgical Services clinic is moving into a suite at the Planned Parenthood of Central Texas location on Ross Avenue.
Leaders declined an interview, but say the move has nothing to do with protestors. The organization began renovating the administrative offices on Ross Avenue into a new, more efficient surgical center last December.
The new center will be independently owned and operated by Planned Parenthood of Waco, so the group won't break any state or federal regulations.
But with the clinics move comes a change of venue for Pro-Life Waco's protests. John says they don't plan to stop.
"As long as they're operating. We seek the complete closure of Planned Parenthood, not only the abortion facility but completely."
In addition to performing abortions, Planned Parenthood of Waco also provides family planning and women's health services.
Reporter: Ashley Goudeau / Photographer: Rocky Bridges
