Operation Save America, a fundamentalist Christian group, has been gaining traction in the anti-abortion movement with its extreme views. Led by Jason Storms, the group opposes all abortions and promotes legislation that would allow women to be investigated and prosecuted for terminating a pregnancy. They believe that abortion is murder and must be deterred by criminalizing the choice to have one. Storms and his group have been successful in mobilizing support for their cause, especially with the rise of far-right lawmakers in conservative districts.
Despite historical rejection of extreme anti-abortion positions by mainstream pro-life groups, Storms’ group has been able to push forward their agenda through social media campaigns and strategic lobbying efforts at state legislatures. Legislators in at least 26 states have introduced bills aimed at criminalizing abortions without exception, which has caused backlash from both sides of the aisle and mainstream anti-abortion groups. The political landscape surrounding abortion has become increasingly polarized, with Republicans struggling to navigate the issue since the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Jason Storms’ personal journey towards becoming a prominent figure in the fight against abortion began with his own struggles and religious conversion. He is now a vocal advocate for extreme anti-abortion positions, often advocating for confronting women with large images of fetuses and distributing graphic literature to students. Storms believes these tactics are necessary to spread awareness about the sanctity of life and deter women from choosing to have abortions. His group, Operation Save America, combines their anti-abortion stance with other conservative beliefs such as opposition to homosexuality, vaccines, and Islam.
Operation Save America’s presence outside abortion clinics has a chilling effect on patients and staff, often making an already difficult situation even more challenging. While Storms insists that his group does not condone violence, their aggressive tactics and vocal opposition to abortion rights have sparked tensions at various locations across the country. Storms’ influence has grown through social media posts and public appearances, where he promotes not only an anti-abortion agenda but also a pro-gun stance, believing in using firepower for peace.
The extreme anti-abortion views held by Operation Save America have led to confrontations with abortion rights advocates and local community members who support reproductive choice. Storms’ group has faced legal consequences for obstructing access to abortion clinics, with some members being convicted of violating federal laws against obstructing patients’ access. Despite these challenges, Storms remains committed to his cause and continues to advocate for criminalizing abortions without exception, believing that this is necessary to end the practice altogether.
As Operation Save America continues to push for strict anti-abortion legislation in states across the country, the debate around reproductive rights has become increasingly polarized. Support for the group’s extreme positions has grown among far-right lawmakers, leading to a shift in the political landscape surrounding abortion. While mainstream anti-abortion groups have historically distanced themselves from extreme views, Operation Save America represents a vocal minority that is influencing the conversation on a national level.
