Fire Strikes Nebraska Abortion Clinic

MSNBC/TheOmahaChannel.com: Fire Engulfs Lower Level Of Clinic Where Abortions Performed:

The physician who operates a health clinic where abortions are performed said a fire that broke out Friday morning in the clinic's basement is "very suspicious."

The physician, Dr. Leroy Carhart, said the fire started in the lower level where records are stored. He said there's nothing in the basement that could start a fire.

Further, Carhart said, the electrical circuit in the lower level is turned off when the clinic is closed.

Dr. Carhart was the plaintiff in two challenges to so-called "partial-birth abortion" bans decided by the Supreme Court: Stenberg v. Carhart (2000) (striking down Nebraska's ban); Gonzales v. Carhart (2007) (upholding federal ban).  In 1991, a fire destroyed Carhart's home and barn, killing seventeen horses, and a pet dog and cat.