The client and companion pulled to the curb. They were immediately approached by two of the many antis out that day. I was able to explain the orange vests and antis. We talked about their parking options and they decided to pull across to the $3 lot. I walked over to assist them with parking and paying.

We started walking towards the clinic. One of them looked at the antis grouped around the clinic door and said, “There are so many people out there.” I agreed and said we would just walk past the protesters. The companion remarked, “Well, since you are security we will have protection.” I immediately said, “I am not security. We only volunteer to help create a space for you when you walk to the clinic. The protesters will just talk to you and try to hand you pamphlets. You don’t have to talk to them or take anything.”

They gave me a surprised look and said, “I hope that works.”

It did.

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REMINDER: Share your story.

January 22, 2013 is the 40th Anniversary of Roe v Wade.  Forty years of legal, safe abortions.  This invitation comes from our allies at Kentucky Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice:

“KRCRC (is making plans for a January 20 event in Louisville, “The Roe Monologues,” to mark those 40 years (four decades, two generations!) since the Roe v Wade ruling, and we need your help.

We’re looking for your story. But also for your mother’s, your daughter’s, your sister’s, aunt’s, girlfriend’s, roommate’s, friend’s story. Fairly brief; 2 to 5 minutes, and starting with the year. (e.g. “It was 1983, and I was trying to finish up my nursing degree, when I found out I was pregnant.” “In 2008, my wife and I had been trying for several years to have a baby. Now she had finally gotten pregnant, but when we got the results of the amnio, …” “1957. I was living in Missouri, and abortion was illegal. When my roommate learned she was pregnant, …” etc)

On Jan. 20 at our event, we will love it if you will present it yourself. But if it’s bad timing, bad location, or you’d just rather not get up to present it yourself, we will be happy to have someone read it for you. Also, you can use your own name or a made-up name, your choice.

We need these stories! – and people need to hear them. Will you help us? Will you spread the word that we’re looking for these stories?

Please email info@krcrc.org if you think you’d like to participate, either in person or by providing a story for someone else to read.”

By stepping out and talking about our experience we reduce the stigma and shame that surrounds abortion.  By sharing our stories, we support each other and continue building a world where reproductive justice is a reality.