The Music Hall in Portsmouth has canceled a fundraiser for a Seacoast-based abortion provider, just six days before it was scheduled to occur, citing security concerns over a planned protest.

The Lovering Center, which provides a range of sexual and reproductive health services, was planning to show a documentary about abortion at its event. Sandi Denoncour, Lovering’s executive director, said they learned of plans for a small anti-abortion protest and notified the Music Hall.

“Within hours of that communication, we were notified that our contract had been canceled,” Denoncour said. “Unfortunately, this reaction gives undue power to those seeking to intimidate and silence care. We're disappointed that fear of protest was allowed to override open conversation.”

Tina Sawtelle, president a

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