Recently, I felt a familiar wave of unease wash over me when I overheard three far-right politicians expressing approval of Dr. Collins’s assassination. “We Republicans,” one of them said in a secretly recorded conversation, “all agree that the murder of Michael Collins was wrong, but do I mourn his death? Not at all; I’m just relieved it wasn’t me who did it.” This official then brazenly stated, “There’s not a single pro-life individual who isn’t pleased.”
Though many in the anti-choice movement claim to disavow violence, the reality is that their inflammatory language continues to endanger providers and patients alike.
For years, Dr. Collins faced relentless harassment. His clinic was bombed in the mid-’80s, and he survived an assassination attempt in 1993. In July 2008, vandals flooded his clinic, causing significant damage and disruption to services. The assaults never ceased. Dr. Collins often said, “We are here to help people realize their hopes and dreams” and “Everyone occasionally needs a little assistance.” It was baffling to me that such kindness could provoke violence, but I soon learned otherwise.
During my early days in a clinic in the ’90s, we endured tireless harassment: from rocks smashing our windows to air conditioning sabotage in the heat of summer, and protesters locking themselves to our doors. After Dr. Collins’s murder, I found a large wooden cross planted in my backyard.
I began receiving death threats. Organized by a local pastor, anti-choice activists protested outside my home, holding signs that threatened my life and my family’s. One sign read “Prepare to Meet Thy God,” alluding to Dr. Collins’s tragic fate. On one frightening occasion, I was so fearful for our safety that I had to send my daughter and her friend over the fence to a neighbor’s house for protection.
Regrettably, the situation has not improved over the last thirty years; it has worsened. The past four years have seen a dramatic rise in violence and intimidation against abortion providers in the U.S. With a president whose rhetoric fans the flames of hatred and division, some individuals feel emboldened to act on their beliefs. According to the National Abortion Federation, incidents of violence and disruption at clinics reached alarming levels last year.
On election night in 2016, one of our clinics was vandalized, delaying essential care for our patients. As a mother, my primary concern was to keep my daughter safe. It broke my heart to have to educate her about law enforcement and develop an “escape plan” for her in case she ever encountered protesters while home alone. She was robbed of the innocent childhood every child deserves.
My lengthy court battle against the local pastor who instigated the harassment finally concluded last October. It’s disheartening that engaging in social justice work often comes with the expectation of violence and intimidation. However, I’ve had many meaningful conversations with my daughter about her experiences growing up, and I believe these events have shaped her worldview, fostering empathy and compassion.
While people may try to intimidate us out of our professions, for me, it has only strengthened my resolve to continue this vital work. For more insights into similar topics, check out this linked article that discusses important issues surrounding home insemination.