I was nervous before my abortion. Even though I was confident in my decision to end my pregnancy, and even though I knew I would receive excellent care, I found myself shaking as I climbed onto the exam table.My doctor and nurse weren't in the room yet, but a patient advocate was. Her name was Katie, she told me warmly, promising to hold my hand until the procedure was over. Katie, who spends her days supporting patients during their abortion procedures, had developed a special talent for sensing if a patient needed a quiet reassurance, distraction, or a few gentle jokes to lighten the mood; in her presence, the groups of intimidating protesters shouting and bearing graphic signs right outside the clinic seemed far removed. Though I spent less than 15 minutes with Katie, I've never forgotten her. Today, as I observe National Abortion Provider Appreciation Day, I think about all she did for me, about the immense gratitude we owe to the women and men who help women obtain safe and legal abortions.
Advertisement
"I appreciate the providers that helped me get my abortions because they saved my life so I could go on. Without those two doctors, I would have died." - Rachel Barnes
Read more: My Life as an Abortion Provider in an Age of Terror
"To the clinical staff who understood my relief after my procedure was over - thank you for providing me that moment. It's changed my life." - Daniela Diaz, We Testify Abortion Storyteller
Advertisement
The majority of abortions in the United States are provided by independent providers, standalone facilities that are unable to afford a defense shield—security, lawyers, and additional insurance coverage—to protect themselves from harassment and attacks. Independent providers, like the members of the Abortion Care Network, continue to operate out of dedication to their communities and a passion for human rights. These clinics are often staffed by small, tight-knit teams who lean on one another for support, encouragement, and safety.Abortion stigma doesn't just impact people who have abortions; abortion providers can feel it, too. Clinic workers might not feel comfortable sharing information about their jobs or lives with others to avoid a negative reaction or harassment. Small talk at an annual neighborhood barbeque or family conversations around the dinner table might be much trickier for someone who doesn't feel safe talking about their work. Recently, Kansas further ostracized abortion clinic employees from their community by banning them from volunteering at schools. Can you imagine legally not being able to volunteer at your child's school events simply because someone held a negative opinion of your job? Even though abortion providers perform an incredibly important service for their communities, this stigma can prevent them from being proud of their work. This isn't the way to create more understanding and just communities.On National Abortion Provider Appreciation Day, and every day, we should try and take a moment to ensure our local abortion providers feel safe, supported, and welcome in our communities. Speak up if you hear or see something that could put providers at risk or make them feel isolated. Use your voice to push back against legislation that targets abortion providers. Abortion providers can't escape the nonstop the hateful, violent rhetoric from abortion opponents. Today, for once, we want our providers to hear that they are treasured, loved, and appreciated by those whose lives they've touched—including mine.
Like Dr. Gunn, many abortion providers feel a deep commitment to their communities: They chose to do they work they do because they want to help others. Clinic workers around the country spend their workdays supporting their patients, and enjoy full, enriching lives when their shift ends. Abortion providers don't just serve our communities—they are our communities. All too often, however, our communities turn away from abortion providers without acknowledging that these people are our family members, neighbors, and our friends.Abortion providers don't just serve our communities—they are our communities.
"To the nurse who held my hand and laughed at my jokes, thank you for recognizing that as my coping mechanism and making it okay." – Anise Simon, We Testify Abortion Storyteller
"I remember being buzzed through what looked like a bombproof door and a closed circuit camera at an independent clinic. I was nervous knowing anti-abortion activists might hurt me for getting healthcare. But when I went inside, everyone was so kind and generous. The Orthodox Jewish nurse wearing a long skirt and beret, held my hand as I was sedated, and then sat by my side when I woke up in the recovery room. I think about her compassion often." - Renee Bracey Sherman, Senior Public Affairs Manager, National Network of Abortion Funds
Find your local abortion provider at AbortionCareNetwork.org and send them a thank you postcard.