There are times a client and/or companion is so empowered they instantly gain my admiration.
The companion got out of the car first. E was hovering right behind me ready to start shaming. I was able to explain the vests and offer to escort them before he began his spiel. E handed the companion some literature. When I explained he was a protester, they handed it right back to him.
The companion and I escorted the client down the sidewalk. We were in a line: E, companion, client and me. E started with “Women regret their abortions. Don’t lead her into this place.” The companion waved dismissively at him and said, “Oh, I know all about abortion. I have had 10 already.” There was a pause then E leaned over towards the client and said “You don’t have to go into that place.” The client turned to me and said, “I am not listening to him.” I replied that was best.
We walked to the clinic entrance with E talking the whole time, but nobody was paying any attention to him.
It was great to witness these two completely ignoring the words meant to hurt and shame them. They are just words. The antis don’t know anything about the clients and why they made the decision for abortion. I felt privileged to witness this calm confidence.
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REMINDER: Kentucky Support Network’s 2013 Bowl-a-Thon is April 19
There are many ways to get involved:
- Captain a team, set a fundraising goal, and recruit 4-6 other bowlers to work together to meet that goal
- Join or donate to an existing team
- Show your support by attending the event
- Share this information with your friends, family, coworkers, and networks via email, Facebook, Twitter, other social media, or good old-fashioned word of mouth!
However you choose to get involved, know that your support is invaluable in helping people from all walks of life realize their reproductive rights!
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REMINDER: Our annual fund drive Pledge-A-Picketer is NOW!
The Saturday before Mother’s Day is the biggest protester day of the year. It also is the date where we count protesters for donations to support the pro-choice effort and the escorts. You can pledge a certain amount for each protester showing up that morning. If you prefer, you can also make a straight monetary donation.
Use this form to make your pledge:
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Louisville Clinic Escorts 
That totally made my day! May their strength spread to every client thereafter.
Longtail,
It made my day too.
Servalbear
Once again, I just want to thank each and every one of you for doing what you do. I’m sure it’s been said time and time again, but the fact that escorts are still needed is troubling and unsettling. However, it is obviously necessary, and the fact that you all go out there day after day out of the kindness of your hearts and because you believe in women and their rights just makes me so thankful. While I have not had to request your services, one does not know where life may take us, and I am just so thankful that there are people like you in this world. Keep on keepin’ on. You give women such hope.
Ladybird,
We are so lucky to have such a dedicated group of escort volunteers in Louisville. Like you it is hard to believe we still have to do this, but we are glad we are there to stand up for reproductive rights. Your kind words are helpful to us. We will keep on keepin’ on.
Thank you,
Servalbear
Wait…I thought the standard line was if the government would just provide “free” birth control the number of abortions would go down. Are you admitting that isn’t true?
Sydney,
That wasn’t what I wrote, so the answer to your question is No. Access to birth control does reduce the need for abortion. The way your question is phrased makes me suspect you are a troll, but I am answering you anyway. What I said and what Oubli said is that not all birth control works on all people. Some people can take hormonal birth control; some cannot. Some can use an IUD; some cannot. Whatever form of birth control is used correctly it will reduce unplanned pregnancies. Providing no co-pay insurance coverage for a routine healthcare prescription makes affordable birth control accessible to more people. Birth control being accessible to more people means fewer unplanned pregnancies and therefore fewer abortions. It is simple math.
Thanks,
Servalbear
LOL, love that reply she gave! Bet that grinded his gears for a second! “I’ve had 10 already!” That’s a hoot!
Speaking of, the only women I’ve known who had a number of abortions (4) was on birth control every single time, each was a higher efficacy and longer term method than the last but being in college she decided to terminate each pregnancy for the sake of finishing school.
As for myself, if not my IUD I’d have made a number of abortions myself by now because one child is more than enough for us at the moment and hormonal birth control and I don’t mesh well. It’s an ugly truth many don’t want to hear but there are tons of us women who who rather terminate pregnancy after pregnancy than have child after child.
Oubli,
We did have silence on the sidewalk momentarily when she said it. It’s true that not all birth control works for all people. Period. I’m glad you have found one that works for you. The reasons for terminating an unplanned pregnancy are various, but multiple abortions are a fact. It doesn’t matter whether it is one abortion or ten, the choice has to be there for people.
Thank you as always,
Servalbear