American Reproductive Center speaks out for first time since Palm Springs terrorist attack

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) -- For the first time since a targeted terrorist attack destroyed parts of the American Reproductive Center over the weekend, News Channel 3 is speaking with the clinic's doctors.

You can watch the full news conference below:

"Our clinic, where hope is nurtured and futures begin, was the target of a senseless and destructive act,'' Amer Abdallah, a representative for the American Reproductive Centers, said at a news conference. "Today, we reaffirm our mission to provide the highest-quality fertility care in a safe and compassionate environment, with the highest level of quality, integrity and service. We believe in miracles, we witness it every day."

That attack resulted in the death of the suspect, Guy Edward Bartkus, and injured four others.

"And just days ago in that very parking lot, our clinic was the target of a senseless and destructive act shook the foundation of what we do and who we serve, it did not and will not break us, "said Amer Abdallah, business parter and cousin of Dr. Maher Abdallah, who heads the clinic.

Amer Abdallah said Dr. Maher Abdallah was supposed to be in the clinic at the time of the bombing, but thankfully took a meeting out of town.

"That very blast site is where he was sitting," Amir Abdallah said.

Now, doctors and clinicians are counting their blessings that no staff or embryos were harmed.

According to Dr. Abdallah, one incubator housing 14 embryos yielded eight embryos that reached blastocyst, the phase of development where specimen are healthy enough for potential implantation. For perspective, Abdallah says usually only 2 to 3 embryos will reach blastocyst in a typical batch.

Still a miracle persisted as those embryos continued to grow even through the explosion, and now Dr. Abdallah is confident new life will come from it.

"We had the embryos still dividing in the incubators and five days later we looked at those embryos and through a miracle, eight of them were perfect. What we call blastocysts are perfect embryos. I guarantee that the patient that has those embryos will go home with a child. I personally guarantee it," Abdallah said.

Doctors also say thousands of sperm and egg specimen were untouched in the blast.

Now, they say the focus is rebuilding. ARC says the construction process will take about 2 years and until then, they plan to set up shop in El Mirador Plaza to continuing serving patients.

In the midst of the many emotions, forgiveness has been top of mind for Dr. Abdallah.

At the press conference, Amer disclosed Dr. Abdallah had offered to pay for the suspect's funeral expenses. He said Bartkus's family has not yet responded.

PSPD Chief shares exclusive first close-up look at Palm Springs bomb blast zone

News Channel 3's Athena Jreij will have more from the clinic live at 6 p.m.

On Monday, the Palm Springs Fire Department highlighted the heroic plan to save the embryos in the American Reproductive Center after the explosion.