Fox News

Monday, May 10, 2004

SAN FRANCISCO — With its 30-minute workouts, no men, no mirrors and no exorbitant membership fees, Curves International (search) is the fastest growing fitness chain in America, helping more than 3 million women stay in shape.


But in San Francisco, Curves is being called out over abortion because owner Gary Heavin donates millions of dollars to anti-abortion groups.

Ruth Rosen at The San Francisco Chronicle (search) took issue with the pro-life, Christian businessman, writing in a recent op-ed piece that Heavin has given at least $5 million to some of the most militant anti-abortion groups in the country and Curves members who are pro-choice might want to take their business elsewhere.

Heavin denies giving any money to radical groups and said his company has nothing to do with the abortion debate. He’s accused Rosen and the Chronicle of trying to start a witchhunt.

The editors at the Chronicle are investigating Rosen’s column and Heavin’s complaints. Meanwhile, Curves is not ruling out legal action.

Click here to watch a report by Fox News Channel's Claudia Cowan.