I lead a busy life, balancing a full-time job with the demands of raising three children who are always on the go, all while preparing for my second marathon. Yet, most Saturday mornings, you’ll find me outside my local Planned Parenthood, proudly donning a pink vest. Why would I choose to spend my limited free time volunteering as a clinic escort, exposing myself to the verbal attacks from aggressive anti-choice protestors? Because the patients who seek care at Planned Parenthood deserve that choice without intimidation.
Each year, I attend my OB-GYN for routine check-ups, including cervical cancer screenings. I walk into that clinic without fear of being shouted at or confronted with graphic images in the parking lot. There are no protestors recording my license plate. This is the reality for many people, yet it starkly contrasts with the experience of women who depend on Planned Parenthood for essential health services.
It’s crucial to note that abortions represent only 3% of the services provided by Planned Parenthood. They also offer vital resources such as birth control, STD testing, Pap smears, breast exams, and comprehensive gynecological care—all available at affordable prices for both men and women. While I staunchly support the right to choose, we must not allow the surrounding debate to overshadow the broader range of services that Planned Parenthood offers. Everyone deserves access to healthcare free from harassment, and I believe it’s my responsibility to help ensure that.
When I arrived for my first orientation, I was filled with apprehension. The presence of protestors and their signs caught me off guard, even though I was there to be an escort. However, the sight of fellow volunteers in bright pink vests, exuding calmness and warmth, provided me with reassurance. I can only imagine the comfort it brings to the patients.
Research has consistently demonstrated that lower abortion rates correlate with increased access to contraception, not with protestors yelling derogatory slurs at women entering clinics. I don’t witness lives being saved by these demonstrations; instead, I see distressed individuals being aggressively confronted. I have observed pedestrians reduced to tears after encountering protest signs, while others have taken drastic measures to destroy them. I’ve seen protestors attempting to provoke confrontations with clinic staff and volunteers and witnessed families subjecting their children to hours of chanting and holding signs with disturbing messages.
I’ve been subjected to harsh insults, splashed with “holy water,” and warned of dire consequences. I’ve heard appalling comparisons of clinic staff to those who facilitated atrocities in history. None of this prevents abortions; it merely adds unnecessary stress to an already challenging experience.
Conversely, I have also seen the relief on the faces of patients when greeted by an escort. Many have expressed their gratitude as they leave. Supportive honks from passing cars and encouraging shouts from strangers uplift the atmosphere. On chilly days, community members bring coffee or snacks. There is no greater joy than witnessing a group of pink-vested volunteers forming a protective barrier around a patient, guiding them safely past the protestors into the clinic.
Planned Parenthood supported me during my teenage years when I needed birth control, and they were there when I faced an unexpected pregnancy at 18. They stood by my friend during her decision to terminate her pregnancy. I want Planned Parenthood to be a resource for my 14-year-old daughter and her friends when they need care.
Until the day comes when no one has to enter Planned Parenthood facing hostility, and instead is greeted with a simple “Welcome,” you will find me in my pink vest, ready to escort patients with a smile. For more insights into home insemination, you can check out this helpful blog post. Also, to learn more about at-home insemination kits, visit Make a Mom, an authority on this subject. For additional resources on pregnancy and fertility, I recommend checking Medical News Today.
Summary:
My experience as a volunteer escort at Planned Parenthood highlights the critical need for supportive healthcare access without harassment. Despite the challenges posed by protestors, the comfort and relief I provide to patients reaffirm my commitment to this cause. Planned Parenthood has been an invaluable resource in my life, and I aim to ensure it remains a safe haven for future generations.