Due to the efforts of NYCDTF, clinic defenders outnumbered "rescuers" by 100 to 1 and women's reproductive health care services were uninterrupted during the Convention.

Originally a coalition of groups including WHAM! (Women's Health Action & Mobilization), NOW-NYC, NARAL, Planned Parenthood, and the Fund for the Feminist Major ity, NYCDTF is now an independent group dedicated to peaceably countering the harassment and violence of Operation Rescue and similar anti-choice terrorist groups at women's health care facilities in the New York City area.

Representatives of NYCDTF have assisted in clinic defense efforts in Buffalo, New Jersey, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and other cities throughout the U.S. as well as in the United Kingdom.

Accomplishments And Activities Since 1992:

• Initiated inquiries into clinic harassment leading to the introduction of the local Clinic Access Law into the New York City Council
• Successfully lobbied the Council for passage of the Clinic Access Law
• Organized successful month-long defense effort in response to "Super Rescue 1001"
• Participated on State Attorney General's Task Force on Health & Reproductive Rights, Women's Issues Advisory Committee
• Helped form Jimenez Bell Brigade in response to the annual anti-choice "Chain of Life" and protesting proposed cuts in Medicaid funding of abortion
• Organized candlelight vigil to honor slain clinic workers in Brookline, Mass.
• Worked with State & Federal Attorneys General to track anti-choice activity
• Member of coalition of groups which organized a march during Pope John Paul II's visit
• Coordinates weekly escorting at area clinics
• Participates on panels and in workshops to educate the public on clinic access issues
• Provides training for various groups throughout the NY area
• Monitors anti-choice operations and apprise clinic directors of potentially dangerous situations