What It Means To Be An Abortion Clinic Escort
And how you can volunteer.
The world halted on June 24, 2022.
After the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, helplessness and anger wounded those who can get pregnant. While representatives made the feeble calls to “go vote” (which has now become somewhat of a cruel joke), constituents wanted to take immediate action. Around the country, thousands have made signs pleading for abortion rights and donated to abortion-assistance organizations. But if you would like to play an even larger role in advocating for reproductive justice, you may want to consider volunteering as an abortion clinic escort.
According to Planned Parenthood, abortion clinic escorts “help get patients to the door of [the] clinic with as little harassment from protesters and picketers as possible.” In other words, since pro-life advocates often emotionally manipulate those trying to get an abortion, your role as an abortion clinic aid is to ensure the patient maintains autonomy over their body.
Though abortion clinic escorts are critical to providing abortion access to all populations, the position is not one to take lightly. In a Washington Post story, software engineer John Skiles Skinner recounted his experience escorting women into an abortion clinic in Lincoln, Nebraska. Skinner stated that anti-choice protesters would try to “push rosaries into patients’ hands and divert them in any way just short of physical assault.” For his part, Skinner would attempt to be “grounding and psychologically comforting to patients.”
This anecdote is not to dissuade you from the role but rather to express the weight the position carries. However, if you feel that you have the resources and ability to volunteer in this way, many clinics are in need of support.
To take the first steps, research which abortion clinics in your area are requesting clinic escorts. If you live in a North Central state, for example, Planned Parenthood has a link where you can provide your contact information for volunteering. The Women’s Center also has a form you can fill out if you want to volunteer in Atlanta, Hartford, Philadelphia or Delaware County, PA. Most applications will require you to provide several references and your availability.
Being an abortion clinic escort allows you to join the fight for reproductive justice while providing support to individuals in a critical moment.
Up next, “Instagram And Facebook Are Removing Abortion Pill Posts”
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