MINNEAPOLIS (PRWEB) March 10, 2020
Reproductive health, rights, and justice advocates come together today in their communities and online to commemorate National Abortion Provider Appreciation Day, a day dedicated to highlighting the work of abortion providers as stigma persists and political and cultural attacks escalate.
This comes just days after independent abortion providers and their attorneys argued before the Supreme Court in June Medical Services v. Russo in a case that will have widespread implications for providers and abortion access in the United States.
Abortion Provider Appreciation Day first began in 1996 to honor the life of Dr. David Gunn, an abortion provider who was killed by an anti-abortion extremist on March 10, 1993. Since then, the day has grown to include acts of kindness and celebration of providers by local, state, and national advocates in communities and online using the hashtag #CelebrateAbortionProviders. This year, activities include local events, proclamations by city councils commemorating March 10 as National Abortion Provider Appreciation Day, and a Tweetstorm online.
“Despite alarming clinic closures, stigma, political attacks, and never-ending restrictions meant to obstruct access to care, abortion providers show up — fierce and fearless — each day for their patients. Today is all about celebrating the bold, compassionate care they provide,” said Nikki Madsen, executive director of Abortion Care Network. “Every person should be able to live a safe, healthy, and autonomous life and to thrive — abortion care providers help make that possible and are indispensable members of our communities.”
Independent abortion clinics provide the majority of abortion care in the United States, but since 2012, 32 percent of all independent clinics have been forced to shut down because of abortion restrictions and anti-abortion extremism. And in some of the most hostile parts of the country, independent clinics are the only places people can get abortion care.
“West Virginians rely on the care we provide. As the last abortion provider in the state, we face no shortage of challenges, from routine harassment to constant political battles targeting our ability to provide care,” said Katie Quinonez, executive director of Women’s Health Center of West Virginia. “Still, we never lose sight of what our work is really about: supporting the people in our communities to live and thrive on their own terms, and treating them with compassion, dignity and respect. We know that abortion providers throughout the US offer patients the health care and support they need to have decision-making power over their bodies and lives, and we celebrate our colleagues today and every day."
“My abortion saved my life. I am grateful every day for the life I am able to live now because of the care I received from my abortion provider,” said Holly Bland with We Testify. “I was trusted with my decision, and cared for by clinic staff every step of the way.”
“I'm endlessly thankful for the medical professionals and counselors at Houston Women's Clinic who treated me with compassion when I was a patient there,” said Jeana Angela with We Testify. “Abortion providers continue to show up for their patients in the face of constant opposition and hostility, and if that isn't heroic, I don't know what is.”
Abortion Care Network
Abortion Care Network (ACN) is the national association for independent, community-based abortion care providers and their allies. ACN works to ensure that all people are able to experience respectful, dignified abortion care.
http://www.facebook.com/abortioncarenetwork or http://www.abortioncarenetwork.org