Membership Info Stolen From Suwanee Office

Updated March 19

The Suwanee office of an OB/GYN group that opposes state legislation that would change abortion laws has had equipment containing membership information stolen from its offices.

The Georgia Obstetrical & Gynecological Society, which has offices on Tench Road in nearby Suwanee, said in a news release dated Saturday that a "well-planned" break-in resulted in the theft of computer equipment.

"The police officers said that the break-in looked well planned, and it's frightening that the personal and family information of our membership has been stolen," according to a statement by Dr. David Byck, the group's president.

"There cannot be a good intent behind such a crime." Beck is a Savannah obstetrician.

On its website, the group says that HB 954, which passed the House recently, is "criminalizing physicians" -- a physician may be sentenced to 1–10 years in prison for terminations post-20 weeks, the group says.

The bill "allows no terminations after 20 weeks unless the life of the mother is already in serious physical jeopardy," the group says.

According to the bill's summary on the Georgia Legislature website, HB 954 would "change certain provisions relating to when abortion is legal." The site says the bill was referred to the Senate on March 5.

The group also urges members to fight Senate Bills 434 and 438, which it says would prevent insurance companies from covering miscarriages.

WSB-TV reported Monday that the burglars were in and out of the offices in time to beat a 60-second delay on the alarm.

The non-profit group "engages in a number of services and activities to serve members including: advocacy for members, advocacy for women’s health and continuing medical education," according to its website

Tort reform and legislation benefiting women's healthcare are listed as among its activities.

Pat Cota of Suwanee is listed as executive director.

Compiled by Steve Burns.