Federal court upholds abortion foes' 1st Amendment rights

The suit is one of several 1st Amendment battles the Center for Bio-Ethical Reform is fighting around the country in its reproductive choice campaign, in which trucks and planes carry graphic images of aborted fetuses to expose the public to what its members call "the reality of abortion."

Gregg Cunningham, the center's executive director, said in a deposition that he has seen students faint, become physically ill, weep, avert their gazes and leave the room in response to photos his group uses in the campaign, according to court papers. "There are some realities which can not be adequately communicated with words alone," he said. "Students who are old enough to have an abortion are old enough to see an abortion."

Mary-Jane Wagle, chief executive of Planned Parenthood Los Angeles, said her group was concerned that young children may be exposed to graphic and jarring images without proper discussion in school or at home.

"Certainly we know they will be horrified, but will they understand what they see? We don't know," Wagle said. "We really believe that what's important is for families to talk about these issues at home, in a safe place."

School representatives could not be reached for comment.

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victoria.kim@latimes.com