40 Days of Harassment

Ever wish you could make the already troubled life of a woman with an unwanted pregnancy even harder? You are in luck! Today marks the start of the anti-choice movement's "40 Days for Life" event. From now until March 28th, event organizers are amping up protests at abortion clinics in 165 cities, both here in the United States and abroad.

Obviously, protesters outside of abortion clinics is nothing new. Every day, patients must walk through a gauntlet of insults and shame before they can get inside. Employees, too, are harassed, leading many to have security escorts and protected identities. For some reason, these anti-choice activists feel it is not only a good thing, but their Christian duty, to harass these people on a daily basis. That's why so many abortion clinics have volunteers who escort patients through the chaos outside. During the 40 Days campaign, the number of these protesters grows.

During previous 40 Days campaigns, Planned Parenthood has mounted a clever countermeasure: "Pledge a Protester." Pro-choice supporters pledge money for every protester counted outside a Planned Parenthood clinic during the forty days in question. Last year's efforts netted over $54,000. I can't find any information regarding a similar effort for the current 40 Days campaign, but I will update you if something turns up.

Clearly, I am a pro-choice advocate. That said, I can respectfully -- albeit strongly -- disagree with people with different viewpoints than myself on this issue. What I cannot respect is targeting women when they are distressed and vulnerable and in need of privacy. I cannot respect the shaming of patients and the attacking of people just trying to do their jobs. This weekend, and those that follow during this anti-choice effort, I encourage those close to the targeted clinics to call them up and volunteer to be patient escorts. Because what women coming into an abortion provider needs is support and moment of privacy, not hate and 40 days of shame.

Photo credit: ibm4381