Earth Lovers and Baby Killers

Thousands of people flocked to Balboa Park on Sunday, April 18, to celebrate EarthFair 2010. This year marked the 20th anniversary of the celebration, billed as "The world's largest annual environmental fair" by event producer San Diego Earthworks. Educational exhibits, music, and earth-friendly food were offered alongside a dose of shock and controversy: anti-abortion activists protested near the Planned Parenthood booth.

"Three hundred and seventy-five dollars! Best money you could ever spend. No child support. No kids running around," shouted Jeff White sarcastically while holding one of many giant signs depicting aborted fetuses. He and other pro-life advocates made their voices heard just a few feet from pro-choice supporters who offered information on safe sex, birth control, and abortion.

Many people walking by expressed their disapproval of the use of the venue for the debate as tensions ran high between the two groups. Upon her arrival to help staff the Planned Parenthood booth, a volunteer said she was confronted by a member of the Survivors of the Abortion Holocaust, who said, "Here comes someone who's found her place on Earth. She's a baby killer." The woman later reflected on her experience by saying, "It was pretty disturbing, but, because of their antics, tons of people came to talk to us."

Both police and private security were present and no violent confrontations between the two groups were reported.