Palm Springs fertility clinic damaged in bombing reopens at temporary location

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (CNS) -- The Palm Springs fertility clinic that was targeted in what authorities have described as an act of domestic terrorism reopened its doors at a temporary location on Tuesday.

Officials with American Reproductive Centers said they would be open for existing patients, but anyone interested in becoming a new patient was encouraged to call to schedule an appointment. The temporary location is at the El Mirador Medical Plaza, across the street from the clinic's original location on Indian Canyon Drive.

In the wake of the bombing, city officials, along with clinic representatives, have expressed optimism regarding the future of the original clinic location.

Emery Baucas, a patient who worked with Dr. Abdallah to start her family using IVF, says she's happy to see the clinic in a new, temporary home.

"I'm so happy it's just across the street, and I think that was on purpose because Dr. Abdallah is probably trying to get everything as back to normal as fast as possible," said Baucas. "I think he's trying to get those embryos transferred and I can't wait to see how many of these embryos graduate this time around, and how many successful pregnancies result from this. This is such a day of hope."

Baucas is also looking forward to working with the clinic to expand their family once again.

"When we did IVF to begin with, there was never a doubt in my mind that it was going to be successful with Dr. Abdallah," said Baucas. "So it doesn't surprise me that he got everything situated and good to go so quickly. And, you know, back to business for everyone again, especially for those who had just done retrieval, it must be a huge weight off their shoulders."

And as for safety, Baucas says she isn't worried at all.

"I just know security is probably even amped up even more, especially at Desert Regional," said Baucas. "I know they already ramped it up at the old spot, like I know that they do have security footage all around the Reproductive Center."

The clinic, at 1199 N. Indian Canyon Drive, was hit with a bombing shortly before 11 a.m. on May 17, in which only the bomber was killed. Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, of Twentynine Palms, was identified as the suspect killed in the explosion. Bartkus was believed to have authored an "anti pro-life manifesto" and was motivated by disdain for families and childbirth in general, the FBI announced.

Embryos and other lab-preserved endowments are maintained at the clinic, which sustained extensive damage. There was additionally collateral damage to several buildings in the immediate vicinity, according to the FBI. Four people were hurt, but there were no reports of life-threatening injuries.

Despite the blast, clinic staff and first responders reacted quickly, reportedly saving most of the eggs used for in-vitro treatments.

"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 last week. "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."

Federal agents are digging deeper into Bartkus' background, probing "multiple online posts and audio recordings . . . where he had expressed these views," according to the FBI.

"Evidence indicates the explosion targeting the American Reproductive Centers was premeditated and that the attack was an intentional act of terrorism," the bureau said, noting Bartkus "had access to a large quantity of commercially available chemical products which could be combined to create a
home-made explosive device." The specific type used in the attack wasn't named.

"The Joint Terrorism Task Force investigation indicates that Guy Edward Bartkus had ideations of attacking clinics in the past and had anti-natalist beliefs," the agency stated. "(The anti-natalist position) is that
it's morally wrong or unjustifiable to have children. Anti-natalists base their views on a variety of concerns, including human suffering, consent, overpopulation and the environment."

On Thursday, city officials joined the clinic's operators in announcing expedited moves to keep the business running, relying on assistance from Desert Regional Medical Center and other facilities until a new building is built.

"As a city, we will continue to work closely with Dr. Abdallah to do whatever it takes to make the transition as seamless as possible to provide immediate care to your patients," Councilwoman Naomi Soto said. "Their work creates our future residents, our future neighbors, our future community
members."

American Reproductive Centers can be reached at 760-346-4334.

News Channel 3's Tori King has reached out to the clinic for further comment. Stay tuned for her reports at 4, 5, and 6.