What Happens in Kansas

Sphere: Related Content You think about it while you drive to the clinic. Even though it is unlikely that something would happen, it is still on your mind. You think about what to look for, and you think about what you will do if you see something. It is on your mind even more than usually, because of what happened in Kansas.

I parked down the street from the clinic, in part because I do not want to take up parking space for the clients and in part because of protesters who have in the past written down license plate numbers. When I arrived at the clinic it was early in the morning, and there was already a few protesters in front of the fence, and most of the medical staff had already arrived and were inside the building. I have never gotten used to the fact that when I walk inside a place that provided women with the services that they need, it is surrounded by a fence, security cameras, and security systems.

The first thing I did was walk inside and sign into the volunteer log, and put on one of the orange volunteer vest. The next thing I did was head to the kitchen and get a cup of coffee; however, the weather usually makes it more appropriate to drink Gatorade. Then for the rest of the morning I sat in front of the clinic, and waited for patients to arrive. This week one of my fellow volunteers brought breakfast, which along with the coffee, was a good way to start off the morning.

Most of the mornings we talk about whatever happens to be in the news or whatever things are happening locally around town. Texas A&M President Elsa Murano was a topic of conversation, and whether or not she would resign or be fired. We talked about the farmers market, and the different locally grown and produced things that you can by there. Normally we do not talk much about reproductive rights, but yesterday morning was different. We voiced our concern about the recent events, and talked about how it might affect reproductive health care.

We have learned how to pause conversations and start them again, as clients come inside the fence usually one or two of us will meet them at their car and another person will stand by the door to let them into the building. When you are escorting the patients your main purpose is simply to be a welcoming face. Especially on the days when abortion services are provided most the women who come into the clinic are there for a very personal reason, and the best thing that we can provide is a supportive atmosphere. Usually escorts will greet the clients, and welcome them to Planned Parenthood. Then we will walk with them through the parking lot, and then open the door to the clinic for them.

The protesters usually actively try to verbally engage with the clients, and they will speak through the fence. In general what the protesters say is the same, warnings about the dangers of abortion and reasons why Planned Parenthood should be avoided. The vast majority of what the protesters say is either a distortion of the truth, or it is completely false. Sometimes the clients will ask what the protesters are saying or what they are protesting, and I usually just explain that they are protesting abortion and avoid elaborating on the subject.

There have been times when I have been targeted by the protesters, but I have always chosen never to engage with the protesters. Some of my fellow escorts engage in conversation or debate with the protesters, but it seems like there is not much point to the exchange. I am not there for them; I am there for the women that need access to reproductive health care.

I am there for the woman who is there with her friend, to show her where the smoking area is and to be someone that she can vent to about things. I am there for the father who is there with his daughter, to provide a moment of levity while talking about sports. I am there for the woman that is there by herself, who asks me to walk her to her car. I am there because I do not know what they are going through, but I know that a smile can mean much more than anything they say on the other side of the fence.

This week unfolded just like any other. There were no incidents between the clients or the escorts and the protesters. However, this week was different the other weeks in that the fear was there, just under the surface. The murder of Doctor George Tiller has greatly affected the reproductive rights community, and it was not an unexpected event. With the election of President Obama and the election of Democratic majorities in both the House of Representatives and in the Senate, it has been thought that the anti-choice may become more radical.

The murder of Doctor Tiller affects both patients and doctors alike. It will continue to be difficult for doctors to make the decision to provide later term abortions, because of the impact that it could have on them personally. This murder will also affect women’s decision making process in seeking reproductive health, and if more violent actions occur fewer women may have the confidence in making reproductive health decisions.

Doctor Tiller’s murder has had a significant impact on women’s reproductive health, and the possible violent actions in the future will continue to have a negative affect on women’s reproductive health. What happens in Kansas, doesn’t stay in Kansas.