Fertility clinics targeted by groups that oppose IVF: Ex-FBI agent
Share this @internewscast.com


() Fertility clinics like the one targeted Saturday in a suspected car bomb explosion in Palm Springs, Calif. can face threats from groups that oppose in vitro fertilization (IVF), a former member of the CIA and FBI says.

“We hear a lot about abortion service providers being targeted, particularly by the Army of God, which is a domestic terrorism group,” Tracy Walder, a national security contributor, said. “IVF clinics can also be a target as well for people that disagree with the process.”

IVF clinics fertilize eggs with sperm in a lab and implant the embryo in a mother who will carry the baby to term. Some churches, groups, and political conservatives oppose the process because human embryos can be destroyed, discarded, or held in storage indefinitely.  

“There are IVF clinics that have security, have cameras, those kinds of things because they are concerned about threats,” said Walder, who has worked in the field of counterterrorism.

Federal and local authorities were processing the scene of the California blast, which one police official said was intentional, and at least one person was dead. The operator of the clinic told The Associated Press there was damage to office space but that no employees were hurt.

Jennifer Coffindaffer, a former FBI special agent, said attacks on clinics typically are the work of lone wolf operators, rather than networks. She noted unconfirmed reports that the person who died Saturday was the bomber.

If true, Coffindaffer said, “It tells me that he is so committed, or she, committed to their belief system and to sending a message that they’re willing to give their life for their message.”

Attorney General Pam Bondi condemned the act, saying in a statement, “Let me be clear: the Trump administration understands that women and mothers are the heartbeat of America. Violence against a fertility clinic is unforgivable.”

President Trump, a Republican, supports IVF, saying it’s a way to help some families have children.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

“Absolutely Devastating: Doctors Respond to Florida’s Plan to Remove Vaccine Mandates”

Florida’s Surgeon General, Joseph Ladapo, alongside Governor Ron DeSantis, recently declared an…

New Mexico Officers Save Family Trapped in Flash Flood

IE 11 is not supported. For the best experience, please visit our…

Students in the University of Texas system file lawsuit, claim new law may restrict prayers, journalism, and music on campus

In Austin, Texas, student organizations from the University of Texas at Austin…

House Establishes Panel to Investigate January 6 Subcommittee Following Prolonged Delay

On Wednesday, House Republicans voted to create a select subcommittee tasked with…

‘Panhandle Pokey’: DeSantis Pushes Forward with Third Detention Center Despite Legal Challenges

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WFLA) — The first immigration detention center in Florida, known…

New York Attorney General requests court to restore substantial civil fraud penalty against President Trump

NEW YORK – On Thursday, New York’s attorney general sought to have…

Actor Oscar Nuñez Transitions from ‘The Office’ to ‘The Paper’

Over a dozen years since leaving the role of the straightforward accountant…

Vance: No Plans to Deploy National Guard to Chicago Anytime Soon

Vice President Vance stated on Wednesday that there are “no immediate” plans…

Senator Cassidy Questions Kennedy on Vaccine Restrictions and Skepticism

IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site…

Jenkins Aims to Build on Success Following Victory Over Groves

SAVANNAH, Ga. () — Optimism on DeRenne Avenue, after Jenkins picked up…

US Jobless Benefit Applications Increase but Stay at a Healthy Level

WASHINGTON – There was a slight increase in the number of Americans…

United Way Brings Coastal Empire Together with New 2026 Campaign Launch

HUTCHINSON ISLAND, Ga. () – Excitement is building as United Way of…