April 27, 2017
I juggle a full-time job, three children with bustling schedules, and I’m currently training for my second marathon. Yet, most Saturday mornings, you’ll find me outside my local Planned Parenthood wearing a bright pink vest. You may wonder why I choose to spend my limited free time volunteering as a clinic escort, especially when it means facing the verbal abuse from fervent anti-abortion protestors. The answer is simple: patients seeking care at Planned Parenthood deserve a peaceful and respectful environment to access their medical services.
During my annual visits to my OB-GYN for routine exams, I am not met with hostility. No one shouts at me as I enter the clinic, nor are there grotesque signs displayed in the parking lot. I can walk in without the fear of intimidation, something I realize is a luxury that many women do not have when they seek care at Planned Parenthood.
While it is often perceived that abortion is the primary service offered by Planned Parenthood, it actually constitutes only 3% of the care they provide. The organization also offers essential services such as birth control, STD testing, cervical cancer screenings, breast examinations, and comprehensive gynecological care, all at affordable rates for both men and women. Although I firmly believe in the right to choose, it is crucial that we do not allow the controversy surrounding abortion to overshadow the vital health services that Planned Parenthood offers. Everyone has the right to receive medical care without being harassed, and I feel compelled to contribute to that cause.
Arriving at the clinic for my first orientation was daunting. I was unprepared for the protestors and their signs, even though I was there specifically to help counteract their presence. However, seeing the bright pink vests and the calm, reassuring smiles of my fellow volunteers provided me with comfort, and I can only imagine how much it means to the patients.
Research indicates that increased access to contraception is linked to a decline in abortion rates; none have shown that harassing women as they enter a clinic has any positive impact. The spectacle of protestors does not save lives; it only adds unnecessary stress to women already facing challenging decisions. I’ve witnessed heart-wrenching moments where bystanders were deeply affected by the aggressive tactics employed by protestors, such as shaming individuals through derogatory remarks and graphic imagery.
Conversely, I have seen the relief on patients’ faces when they are greeted by an escort. Many have expressed their gratitude as they leave, and I have received supportive honks from passing cars. On chilly days, kind strangers often bring coffee or snacks for the volunteers. There’s an unparalleled joy in watching a group of pink-vested escorts come together to guide patients safely through the crowd and into the clinic.
Planned Parenthood played a pivotal role in my life during my teenage years when I needed birth control. They were there when I faced an unexpected pregnancy at 18, and they supported my friend when she made a different choice. I want that same level of care to be available for my 14-year-old daughter and her friends when they need it.
Until the day arrives when every individual can enter Planned Parenthood greeted only with kindness and a warm welcome, you can count on me to be there in my pink vest, ready to escort them inside. For more information on at-home insemination options, check out this resource. If you’re interested in learning about IUI, visit this excellent source.
In summary, my commitment as a volunteer escort at Planned Parenthood reflects my dedication to ensuring that everyone has access to essential medical services without fear or harassment. It’s about support, compassion, and standing up for the rights of individuals seeking care.
Keyphrase: My Experience as a Volunteer Escort at Planned Parenthood
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