Thursday, October 15, 2009

They Don’t Know

I’ve been at Planned Parenthood in Tempe, Arizona, on and off since 1989. I was here when they started providing abortion services. I’m here now to witness the “40 Days for Life.”

Those protesters have no idea what happens inside these walls.

They don’t know about the 12-year-old who came in. She was raped by her father. We helped send him to prison.

They don’t know about the young girl who was sexually assaulted by a close friend.

They don’t know about the mother of six who brought her 17-year-old daughter in for an abortion. Their family was struggling for basic necessities. They had no food. The daughter excelled in high school and wanted to go to college. She wanted to have a future.

They don’t know about the girl who was raped by the “coyotes” that brought her and her mother across the border. She came to Planned Parenthood, pregnant and seeking an abortion.

They don’t know how we’ve helped these women — and thousands more.

Protesters: 20

I am Emily X.

I am Planned Parenthood.

14 comments:

Molly said...

Emily,

You are a hero and a true sister. Thanks so much for standing up for all of us.

You rock,
Molly X

caroline said...

That's right. They have no idea. And it's none of their business. Thanks to all of the PP staff who deal with these people constantly. I'm sure I would not handle it so well!

Unknown said...

Dear Emily X,

I have supported and contributed to Planned Parenthood (and NARAL) for more than 40 years, now. So you can tell I am no longer young.

I have never been "for" abortion. I am for letting a woman make the toughest decision she will ever make in her entire life. And whatever decision that is, is the right one -- for her.

Unknown said...

THANK You All Planned Parenthood staff,
I am a 53 year old woman who visited Planned Parenthood as a young girl through womanhood. I was given birth control, advice, and free reproductive health care. I knew via Planned Parenthood how to determine if I had an STD or if I was pregnant. I passed the practice to my daughters, who have obtained birth control, STD and HIV tests, morning after pills, immunizations for HPV and tons of advice. None of my family has had an abortion thanks to Planned Parenthood. But if they had to choose that option they could count on Planned Parenthood to not judge or condemn them.
Thank you for continuing to serve women and girls who NEED you.
Sincerely Patti Rich, Oakland CA.
Rich

Unknown said...

Thank you for standing strong for us - we truly appreciate the work you do.

Nicole said...

Keep up the good work!!

Stephanie said...

Thank you for this reminder of how you are on the front lines of our fight for healthcare every day. What you do is appreciated and so very important. I believe God sees you and loves you for your compassion, strength and kindness.

Amber said...

Keep fighting the good fight! All of your hard work is appreciated.

C Mag said...

The loving, constant care you provide is a lifeline that should be commended. Thank you for all you do and keep up the good work.

Unknown said...

What has been said makes me cry. I don't think everyone knows and understands what PP does. That is why I a give money on a monthly basis in support.

Christopher OR

Lindsay said...

Amazing. My heart goes out to all the people who need help from PP. The protesters should leave them alone. They have enough difficultues without verbal abuse and intimidation from people who don't even know their stories.

Lil Kate said...

Thank you for the hard and emotionally straining work that you do - in the face of ignorant protesters, nonetheless. I support you. I support the work that you do. And I will continue to support you.

emilycousins said...

Emily,

As a fellow Arizonan, I thank you for the beacon you provide in Tempe. This is a large state with few reproductive health resources. I am sure many of your clients traveled a long way to get to you, and I am sure they are grateful for your presence.

Your post conveys the unusual combination of compassion and stamina now required of PP employees. You treat your clients with respect and tenderness at the same time you stand up to bullies at your doorstep--who, as you say, have no idea.

Thank you for having the idea.

Emily C

Amanda said...

giovanni1The protestors are horrible! I remember the day I had to get an abortion, I have a 3 year old son now and I was only 16 I culdnt afford one and two was just way too much. I pulled up to the Locust street Plammed Parenthooodwith my sister and my aunt and there must have been 50 of them standing outside holdin those signs. But these signs broke me out in tears, the signs of the aborted babies, cut up into pieces. As I cooled myself off to get out of the car, this one lady yelled to me, "you don't have to do this, there are other ways" and I broke down. She doesn't know my life nor my struggle, who is she to comment about my life and my coices. She doesn't know how it happened weather it was rape or not. I used to be very anti abortion..and pro life. But once you live tht I'm glad I had Planned Parenthood there to help. They held my hand through the whole thing. I support you.