I knew they were coming, but I didn’t expect to see this many people.On Saturday, 250 protesters showed up at the Fannin Health Center in Houston, Texas, to harass Planned Parenthood clients. They called the day’s protest the “March of the Surviving Youth,” and circled around the health center seven times in a “Jericho March” intended to collapse the walls of the health center, like the story of Joshua in the Old Testament. No such luck.
I and my fellow escorts were vigilant as we guided clients safely from the parking lot to the health center, despite the efforts of protesters.
At one point, a group of them circled around me screaming, “I’m praying for you, ma’am!” and “You are not God’s child; you speak death!” and “You have no idea who you’re messing with!”
This is not a so-called “peaceful protest.”
This is harassment.
But we will continue to stand together in support of comprehensive reproductive health care — including access to safe abortion care.
We will make sure that despite a few harassing voices, we will be here for the millions of women, men, and teens that need access to basic health care.
We will continue to be here for our patients throughout the “40 Days for Life,” just like we have every day since 1936.
Protesters: 250
I am Emily X.
I am Planned Parenthood.
13 comments:
Thank you for being there. I don't live in Houston anymore, but I'm glad someone's looking out for the rights of women there.
Stay strong.
I wish I could be there to show my support.
Thank you for everything that you do.
I am a sign language interpreter and used to work at this facility. I have always appreciated all that you do and I think it is naive of the protestors to assume that all planned parenthood offers are abortions. I myself have received many services from you all that have never been realted to abortion. I support you all and will continue to refer my friends and family.
Stay strong.
Those who oppose abortion should celebrate all the birth control that Planned Parenthood provides TO PREVENT THE NEED FOR ABORTION.
Thank you. For everything.
I'm so sorry you're having to put up with that and even sorrier for your patients. You see, I've been there; I've walked past those protesters saying horrid, hurtful things and I was an adult. I can't imagine what its like for teenagers who are already upset to deal with that kind of abuse.
Bless you for what you're doing.
what u do is amazing, and it matters. thank you for all you do for so many women. thank for making the burden easier on those already facing difficult decisions. all i can say is be strong and thnk you. thank you thank you thank you.
Thank you! I don't think that those protesters have the people who need Planned Parenthood's services' interests in mind, only their own. I appreciate your commitment.
Thank you for all that you do and for all that you have to tolerate to give women access to healthcare. I was a patient at planned parenthood starting way back in highschool and have been back on occasion during my 40+ years. You have always been helpful and kind. All of you are in my thoughts and prayers. THANK YOU.
Hello To "Emily X" (PP Staff),
I would like you to know that I heavily support all of the WONDERFUL work you do. You are there to support all of us ladies. You provide lifesaving services that are so crucial to the health of women everywhere.
I want you to know that I have nothing but the utmost respect for all of you. Please keep up the great work of all that you do. I wish I could be there to support you all, but I promise you I am there in spirit. I will sign petitions and write letters for every great cause the Planned Parenthood organization pursues. Thank you!
I'd like to say thank you for providing all the services that you do. I needed a colposcopy but didn't have health insurance, and now I'm free from worrying about cervical cancer AND debt, thanks to Planned Parenthood. I wish these protesters were clever enough to remember that they are supposed leave the judging to their god. I wonder why they're at the clinics spreading fear and hate, when they should be feeding the hungry, clothing the poor, and caring for the sick.
I know it can't be easy to deal with such harassment, but I'm sure you know it's impossible to rationalize with irrational people. I am amazed at the strength of character you have, and stay strong.
There will always be scores of people
eager to get upset over personal
issues that should be a woman's right
to decide. You have all of my support
and best wishes. Keep doing the num-
ber one most important thing in this
country: keep abortion safe, legal
and available to all in need.
Bless You,
Phyllis Saunderso
Women need to know that no matter how many crazies there are trying to enforce their beliefs, there is always a safe place to get the health care they need! I will continue to donate money in thanks for the urgent care I received when I needed it, now that I am a teacher and have great health care.
Post a Comment