April 27, 2023
I juggle a full-time job, three energetic children at home, and training for my second marathon. Yet, on many Saturday mornings, you can spot me in my vibrant pink vest standing outside my local Planned Parenthood. You might wonder why I choose to dedicate my limited free time as a clinic escort, facing the sometimes harsh words from fervent anti-abortion protesters. The answer is simple: the patients seeking care at Planned Parenthood deserve support and compassion, free from harassment.
Each year, I visit my OB-GYN for my routine check-up, which includes a cervical cancer screening. When I walk into that office, I am not met with shouts from strangers, nor do I see graphic imagery plastered around the parking lot. I don’t have to worry about someone taking down my license plate number. Unfortunately, this is the reality for many women who rely on Planned Parenthood for essential healthcare services.
While abortions account for only 3% of the services provided by Planned Parenthood, the organization also offers crucial services such as birth control, STD testing, Pap smears, and breast exams—all at affordable rates for both men and women. The right to choose is vital, but it’s equally important to recognize the broader spectrum of care that Planned Parenthood delivers. Everyone deserves access to medical care without fear or intimidation, and I consider it my duty to help ensure that.
When I first entered the parking lot for my volunteer orientation, I was overwhelmed and unsure of what to expect. The sight of protesters and their signs was daunting—though, admittedly, I should have anticipated that, being a volunteer escort. However, the sight of fellow volunteers in their pink vests, smiling calmly, was a source of reassurance, and I can only imagine how comforting that presence is for the patients.
Research has shown that improving access to contraception correlates with decreased abortion rates. None of the data indicate that yelling insults at women entering clinics has any positive effect. What I observe instead are distressed individuals being chased and yelled at. I’ve seen onlookers break down in tears when confronted with the harsh slogans on the protesters’ signs. I’ve witnessed moments of anger from those who feel compelled to respond to the offensive rhetoric with their own actions.
The verbal attacks I’ve faced have ranged from being condemned to eternal damnation to being splashed with “holy water.” I’ve even heard healthcare providers likened to individuals who worked in concentration camps. Such actions do nothing to stop abortions but rather add unnecessary stress to women’s already challenging days.
On the brighter side, I’ve also experienced the immense relief on patients’ faces when greeted warmly by an escort. Many have expressed heartfelt gratitude as they exit. I often hear supportive honks from passing cars, and sometimes, kind strangers stop by with coffee or snacks for the volunteers. The best moments are when I witness an organized line of pink-vested escorts guiding a patient safely through the chaos into the clinic.
Planned Parenthood has been there for me during significant moments in my life, from when I sought birth control as a teenager to when I faced an unexpected pregnancy at 18. They supported a friend during her choice to terminate her pregnancy, and I want that same support to be available for my daughter and her peers in the future.
Until the day comes when no one has to enter Planned Parenthood without a warm greeting, I’ll be there in my pink vest, smiling and ready to escort anyone who needs it.
For more information on pregnancy and related topics, check out this excellent resource from the Women’s Health Government website. And if you’re interested in exploring home insemination options, be sure to read through this insightful post about the journey of couples navigating intracevical insemination.
Summary:
Volunteering as a clinic escort at Planned Parenthood has been a meaningful experience for me, balancing my family life and personal goals. I aim to support individuals seeking essential health services in a safe environment. Through my volunteer work, I have witnessed both the harsh realities faced by patients and the joy that comes from providing comfort and assistance. Planned Parenthood has played a vital role in my life, and I want to ensure that same support is available for future generations.