I juggle a full-time job, raise three energetic kids, and am in training for my second marathon. Yet, most Saturday mornings find me outside my local Planned Parenthood, proudly wearing a bright pink vest. You might wonder why I dedicate my limited free time to volunteer as a clinic escort, particularly when it means facing the harsh words of fervent anti-abortion protestors. My answer is simple: the patients who turn to Planned Parenthood for their healthcare don’t have the luxury of choice.
Each year, I visit my OB-GYN for my routine check-up, which includes a cervical cancer screening. Strangers don’t yell at me as I enter, nor are there distressing images displayed around the parking lot. I suspect most of you experience the same ease during your visits. Unfortunately, that’s not the case for many women who rely on Planned Parenthood for essential health services.
Surprisingly, abortions account for only 3% of what Planned Parenthood offers. The organization provides vital services like birth control, STD testing, Pap smears, breast exams, and general gynecological care—all at affordable rates for both men and women. While I firmly believe in the right to choose, it’s crucial not to let the surrounding noise overshadow the importance of the comprehensive care that Planned Parenthood delivers. Everyone deserves access to medical care free from harassment, and I feel compelled to help make that happen.
When I first drove into the parking lot for orientation, I was nervous and overwhelmed. I hadn’t anticipated the presence of protestors or their signs—though, in hindsight, it was naive not to expect this as I was there to serve as an escort. However, the sight of those bright pink vests and the reassuring smiles of fellow volunteers brought me comfort. I can only imagine how much it means to the patients.
Research consistently shows that lower abortion rates correlate with improved access to contraception. Conversely, no studies indicate that shouting insults at women entering clinics has any positive effect. Instead, I witness distressed individuals being confronted and harassed. I’ve seen a passerby break down in tears after learning she was near a “baby-killing factory.” I’ve watched a man snap protest signs in frustration before driving away. Some protestors attempt to provoke confrontations with police officers and volunteers, while I’ve observed a mother forcing her children to stand against a wall for hours, reciting prayers and clutching signs with heartbreaking messages.
I’ve faced insults, had “holy water” thrown on me, and been told that my supposed hatred would eventually spill out into the streets. I’ve heard the clinic’s doctor likened to those who served at Auschwitz. None of these actions halt abortions; they only add unnecessary stress to an already difficult situation.
On the flip side, the relief on patients’ faces when they see an escort is palpable. Many have tearfully thanked me as they exited the clinic. I often hear supportive honks from passing cars and receive kind words from strangers. On chilly days, people bring coffee, and on warmer days, treats to share. There’s nothing more gratifying than watching a line of pink-vested escorts forming a protective barrier to guide a patient safely through the protestors to the clinic entrance. For every harsh word I hear, being able to ease the experience for even one person makes it all worthwhile.
Planned Parenthood has been a crucial resource for me at various points in my life. They provided me with birth control as a teenager, supported me when I faced a contraception failure at 18, and were there for both myself and a friend during our respective decisions about pregnancy. I hope for my 14-year-old daughter and her friends to have the same support when needed.
Until the day comes when every daughter, sister, mother, brother, or friend can walk into Planned Parenthood greeted only by a warm “Hello, welcome to our clinic,” you’ll find me in my pink vest, smiling and ready to escort anyone in need of care.
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Summary:
Laura Martinez shares her experiences as a volunteer clinic escort for Planned Parenthood, highlighting the essential healthcare services offered while addressing the harassment faced by patients. Her commitment to ensuring compassionate support reflects the importance of accessible medical care free from intimidation.