Friday, November 2, 2007

I had the protection of nine federal marshalls

In 1998, Dr. Slepian, an abortion provider at the clinic I worked at was shot and killed in his home. I was one of the first doctors to go back to that same clinic and continue providing abortions. There were nine federal marshalls who protected me. People ask me if it was scary -- it was, it was terrifying. But it wasn't about to stop me from providing a critical service to women in this country.



Protesters: 1

I am Emily X.

I am Planned Parenthood.

16 comments:

Marriage Diva said...

I commend these doctors and nurses in their quest to provide this and other services. It is beyond me that harassing and dangerous protesters can KILL someone for their cause and justify it.

I would be great if abortion didn't have to happen. It would mean that there was no more rape, accidents, bad decisions, reproductive and congenital diseases, and that women AND men took reproductive health seriously from adolescence on. So basically, until there is a perfect world, I thank the professional out there for their service.

Diana said...

It is a relief to know that you are doing the work you do, and doing it bravely and compassionately. It makes me, as a woman, have hope that our health care freedoms can never be taken away. Thank you.

terracounselor said...

I am so grateful for the work each & everyone of you does. A PPH pap test diagnosed my cancer and after two years, I'm still here. PPH is so much more than abortions. Bless you all.

MaryR said...

The only thing I have to say is, Thank you. To all of the brave people who are supporting Planned Parenthood and keeping women's reproductive rights safe.

formerteacher said...

God bless you, and thank you! I can't imagine having to have marshalls walk me into work. Thank you for standing up for womens' rights!

This past weekend the protesters were at our PP again disgusting signs and all. I am so proud of the PP staff for not giving into these people.

Meghan said...

I saw someone protesting here in Baltimore last week. Just one woman with a sign outside of a clinic that does all sorts or important work for women and families... aside from abortion.

I had to choice but to yell out my window "KEEP YOUR LAWS OFF MY BODY"

Just Jillin' said...

I grew up with Dr. Slepian's sons and was obviously heartbroken to hear that they had been robbed of their father. How anyone could argue that killing a doctor in order to save fetuses is a justifiable action is beyond comprehension.

I attended the memorial service for Dr. Slepian, as did hundreds of others in the community. We cried alongside our friends and family, our community leaders, and strangers and it was very clear that this terrible act, while reprehensible and horrific, was a call to action for those of us who know that defending human beings on Earth, once they are born into our world, should be the utmost concern for all of us.

Thanks for defending our rights, and more specifically, our health care providers and people in need of crucial reproductive services.

Unknown said...

Thank you for protecting us. It's hard. You're important.

Unknown said...

Thank you all for the work that you do..............God bless you....

hurricane steph said...

I thank my lucky stars for people like you. Thank you. :)

Hops said...

I lived in WNY in '98 and I remember the media circus. Going back to work after Dr. Slepian's death took real guts.

So, thanks for that.

Unknown said...

Thank you for all that you do and for continuing your work through thick and thin. We women are lucky to have you (and your hard-working colleagues).

Minnesota Matron said...

Could I love you more? I want to have a bumper sticker that says: Totally Not Traumatized By MY Abortion.


But I'm afraid that I'd be killed--or one of 3 children that I chose to have would be too.
Thank you!!!

MellanKelly said...

I live in WNY now and did at the time of Dr. Slepians murder and I commend you for your bravery and fortitude. What you and doctors like you do everyday for women is so beautiful and giving. Thank you so much and Bless you all!

mich26 said...

these people who protest against the doctors who work in these clinics say they do it cause they are murdering an innocent life but then they shout victory when they hear one of their own killing an innocent man for providing services to women who choose to end pregnany.All I have to say is don't point your fingers at these clinics for doing anything wrong and calling it murder unless you know your hands are clean.

Unknown said...

I will never ever be able to find the logic in "pro-life" people killing doctors. This is so absurd.

As one of my favorite political satirists Bill Hicks said, "If you're so pro-life why don't you lock arms and block graveyards...

"But she was my grandma, she was 90 years old!"

Pro-lifer: "NO! She can't come in."

"But she was hit by a bus."

Pro-lifer: "There's options."