Defending Choice in Charlotte

Every Saturday morning members of the Feminist Union at UNC Charlotte gather on East Hebron Street in front of Family Reproductive Health, a comprehensive women's health care clinic, prepared to brave the elements and the antis. Anti-abortion extremists such as Flip Benham, leader of Operation Rescue/Operation Save America, who was found guilty this week of criminal stalking and picketing for distributing WANTED posters of Charlotte abortion providers in their neighborhoods and offices.

Through training and support from the National Clinic Access Project, a project of The Feminist Majority Foundation, and the Choices Campus Leadership Program, members of the Feminist Union were trained in clinic defense and legal observation to support Family Reproductive Health against the harassment by anti-abortion extremists. The Feminist Union is just one of many pro-choice student groups across the country that are supporting the clinics in their community through FMF's Adopt-A-Clinic Campaign since its introduction last Spring.

Since joining FMF's campaign this summer to defend Charlotte clinics during OR/OSA's siege of bullying and intolerance, the Feminist Union has continued their support of Family Reproductive Health. Each Saturday morning four to ten Feminist Union members serve as a physical barrier from anti-abortion protesters and ensure that all staff and patients safely enter the clinic with minimal harassment. Members also serve as legal observers to assist FMF in the prosecution of FACE and federal and state anti-stalking law violations.

"Defending Family Reproductive Health has really brought us together," according to one member of the Feminist Union. "The antis have started targeting the clinic defenders and have given us all nicknames." In addition to non-violent and non-engagement defense of the clinic, the group gathers to make signs to hold in support of the clinic and thank you cards to the staff. The Feminist Union has seen tremendous growth since their activism against clinic violence and now have a regular membership of 30 students! "It's the utmost form of activism. You have to be out there to experience it, to see the injustice."

Thankfully some of that injustice is starting to get national attention. Many news outlets including NPR, CBS, and MSNBC recently covered the WANTED posters distributed by anti-abortion extremist Flip Benham and the connection between such violent threats and the deaths of abortion providers. "These WANTED posters are communicating a threat to these abortion providers; doctors featured on WANTED posters in the past have become targets of anti-abortion extremists willing to kill, including most recently Dr. George Tiller," stated Kathy Spillar, Executive Vice-President of the Feminist Majority Foundation.

Unfortunately the terror that is experienced by Family Reproductive Health is not exclusive to Charlotte, NC. Clinics across the country are experiencing an increase in clinic violence since the 2008 election. Comprehensive clinics and a woman's right to a safe and legal abortion is under attack in your community! Join groups like the Feminist Union and support your clinic against anti-abortion extremists through FMF's Adopt-A-Clinic Campaign. Contact your FMF National Campus Organizer and begin defending a woman's right to choose today!

Photo credit: Meghan Shalvoy


This post is part of the November 2010 ezine. To subscribe to the monthly ezine, click here.

Clinic Defense & Campus Organizing - A Natural Partnership

Bonjour Campus Choices! Meghan here, and this is my first of many posts as the newest member of Choices Campus Leadership Program’s team of National Campus Organizers. Although new to this position, I am no stranger to the dangers of clinic harassment and violence, or FMF’s work to assist in defending clinics against it.

This July, I joined FMF as a volunteer to keep the clinics of Charlotte, NC safe from the harassment of Operation Save America’s (OSA) annual clinic siege. If you’ve ever seen your average weekend “sidewalk counselor” protests outside a clinic, take that image and quadruple it. Meditate for a moment for sanity’s sake, and then double it again, totally approximately 250 anti-choice harassers.

As a part the National Clinic Access Project, FMF brought in volunteers from miles and miles away to combat the extreme tactics of OSA, which included posting WANTED posters of the brave and committed abortion providers who staff the Charlotte clinics, holding up oversized posters which featured graphic and medically inaccurate images of dead babies, blocking driveways, and using an amplifier to preach hate to the patients, staff and pro-choice volunteers.

Although there were three clinics that were targeted by OSA, Family Reproductive Health requested a presence of pro-choice clinic defenders throughout the week and we spent the majority of our time there. I had never seen anything like what I saw in Charlotte, and it is hard to articulate how sad and infuriating it was to see the way these self-proclaimed intolerant people would attack women who were simply trying to receive basic reproductive health care.

I would, without a doubt, just as soon favor every woman in America have safe and free access to reproductive health services, but what surprised me most was how much I enjoyed my time in Charlotte. Banding together with dozens of passionate and committed pro-choice volunteers, FMF staff, students from UNCC Feminist Union, and Charlotte Pro-Choice Coalition members to keep FRH and the other Charlotte clinics safe and protected by our efforts – including clinic defense, counter-protesting, legal observation and close contact with law enforcement – was inspiring, to say the least.

On the last day of the clinic siege, we managed to rally over 75 clinic defenders in the wee hours of the morning so that when OSA arrived to set up their Harassment HQ, they promptly turned their vans around and drove away. According to the fantastic clinic staff, it was the first Saturday without harassment and protest in the 8 years the clinic had been open.

Luckily, it is not every Saturday that OSA brings hundreds of people from all over the country to target a clinic, but virtually every day of the year there is some form of harassment outside of hundreds of clinics across the US. Get involved to help keep these clinics safe by joining in our Adopt-a-Clinic Campaign. There are so many ways you can help keep your clinic safe and open. Vocal pro-choice support can keep patients safe when entering the clinic, help maintain law enforcements attention to this issue, and show clinics that their hard work is appreciated and important.

This blog post is part of the October eZine. To receive our monthly eZine, click here.

Clinic defense: A prochoice band-aid

My clinic escort buddy Username Catbus recently posted reasons why clinic defense is a crummy volunteer gig, and why he does it anyway. His main points:

a) You have to listen to racist jerks yell babykiller epithets at you and patients. Further reading: Our local antis created a handy manual on how to harass women on the street who might be "abortion-minded"

b) It's boring and you risk sunburn/inclement weather/racist jerks

c) Clinic defense best suits volunteers with an even keeled temperament, so it's not for everyone, and

d) If you don't have an even keeled temperament, you're better off doing other prochoice work like lobbying or campaigning for progressive candidates, since clinic defense is just a band-aid for a bigger problem.

But we continue to volunteer because it is generally the most meaningful and rewarding reason to wake up at 7am on a Saturday. Really, clinic defense is my favorite volunteer activity and I encourage everyone who's pro-choice to try it. In addition to the general warm fuzzy feelings you get from volunteering, consider:

a) It's 8:30am. Sleepiness often trumps crankiness at antis.

b) You get to socialize with cool people you might not ordinarily meet. I've met prochoice bloggers, Hill staffers, dog walkers, federal contractors, college kids, and legendary local escort Phil. Far better than okcupid or networking happy hours.

c) You can have a really productive Saturday when you wake up early. Counterpoint: When you go out that evening, your friends will be perky and you will fall asleep in the bar, if you're me.

d) There's no minimum time commitment for volunteering with DC area clinics. Commitment-phobes welcome.

e) No papercuts.

f) It will make you even more pro-choice. Even if you just go to a short volunteer training, you'll feel smarter and angrier about clinic harassment.

If you are in the DC area and want to become a clinic escort, contact the Washington Area Clinic Defense Task Force. If you are elsewhere, join FMF's Adopt-a-Clinic campaign and email campusteam (at) feminist (dot) org for help finding a provider. Comment below and let us know how you're supporting your friendly local abortion provider!

Photo of crisis-pregnancy-center-mobile: j-No on Flickr

Yet another new FMF blogger!

My name is Lily Armstrong, and I'm a new intern at the Los Angeles branch of the FMF. I'm probably the youngest on the blog, as I'm not even in college yet. Actually, I'll only be a 10th grader next year, but that doesn't by any means make me unopinionated!

I must first say that in my fourteen years on this good planet, I cannot remember a time when I wasn't a feminist. I was truly raised in it, due to my wonderful parents' involvement with clinic defense. In fact, it was through clinic defense that they met in 1990.

It is difficult for me to note any certain moment when I became a feminist, as I truly feel I have always been one. I've known about feminist issues for many years now, and have always been very involved and interested in them. I consider myself to be an activist, starting when I took part in the 2004 March for Women's Lives in Washington at eight years old.

My interest became more sophisticated in middle school, when two fantastic classes (taught by one fantastic teacher) in 7th and 8th grade allowed me to argue my opinions more freely than ever before. It was in 7th grade that I first attended the FMF Global Women's Rights Awards, which were very inspiring to me. Last summer, I interned at the FMF for about a month, which further developed and reinforced my beliefs. This summer, I hope to develop them even further.

Wherever I end up for college, which for me is still a ways away, I'll probably major in Women's Studies. Most of my other interests at least tangentially involve music, writing, and 1960s culture.

Thank You Thursday! 07/29/2010

We are excited to announce that we are adding a new weekly series of blog posts known as "Thank You Thursday!" Our "Thank You Thursday" posts will include a list of people who have done or said something pro-woman that we appreciate. We hope you enjoy seeing who is doing positive work!
This Thursday, we would like to thank:

• U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton for blocking several key passages of Arizona's new immigration law SB 1070
• Memphis City Council Member Janis Fullilove for supporting a proposed LGBT antidiscrimination policy even when faced with death threats
• ESPN Reporter Erin Andrews for advocating for the STALKERS Act
• Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid for their efforts to get the Dream Act passed

• and a special thanks to everyone who help with the Pro-Choice Clinic Defense in Charlotte, North Carolina, last week!!!

THANK YOU!!!!!

From the Front Lines: A Warm Welcome in Charlotte

Last week, I went to Charlotte, North Carolina with Feminist Majority Foundation to help protect reproductive health providers from anti-abortion extremists Operation Rescue/Operation Save America during their national siege. This summer I've worked a great deal on with our NCAP project, and am following various anti-abortion organizations as part of my internship. Before this summer, I didn't really know a lot about NCAP or the history of anti-abortion violence. I heard about the murder of Dr. George Tiller over a year ago, and that was about as much as I knew.

FMF's National Clinic Access Project (NCAP) began shortly after FMF was founded and provides a great gamut of assistance to women's health care providers targeted by anti-abortion extremists. Just to give you an idea of what we do - NCAP specializes in tracking anti-abortion extremists, works with federal, state and local law enforcement to protect abortion providers, provides grass-roots organizing support for clinics, recruits pro-bono legal help for clinics under siege, and even makes emergency grants to targeted clinics to improve security measures. So when the National Clinic Access Project heard Operation Rescue/Operation Save America announce a national siege of Charlotte-area abortion providers in July, NCAP immediately began to organize to protect the clinics, their workers, physicians and patients in advance of the OR/OSA week of harassment.

That's where I come in. As part of my internship, I traveled to Charlotte as part of the NCAP team to work with FMF national organizer, campus organizer, legal coordinator and two other interns to help organize clinic defense, grass roots trainings, legal observing and escorting, but most of my efforts focused on clinic defense. Clinic defense is literally about mobilizing a ton of pro-choice peeps to create a human buffer zone between anti-abortion zealots and clinic staff and patients. Clinic defense is also critical to helping maintain access to clinic driveways and entrances while sending a critical message of support to the clinic.

Also, what I learned is that clinic defense can also provide a distraction for anti-abortion protesters so that they don't bother the patients. If OR/OSA is too busy yelling at a clinic defender, they don't tent to notice a car pulling into the drive way with a patient. Although clinic defenders create a buffer zone and often take the focus of the anti's attention, we (as clinic defenders) must not cause problems for the clinic -- or the police, which is why NCAP strictly enforces a non-engagement policy. No witty comebacks, no arguing, no general conversation with the anti's. You have to be completely stone-faced. Which frustrates them even more so they get caught up in "breaking" you and forget about patients (win).

This principle of non-engagement is covered meticulously in clinic defense trainings -- along with a pledge of non-violence. On the last training before the siege, the NCAP clinic defense team, along with ProChoice Charlotte and the UNCC Feminist Union, met with an eager group of activists who were ready to face Operation Save America. A few had done escorting in the past, but most were new to the clinic defense scene. We had everyone introduce themselves and explain why they were there and then gave some general information about the non-engagement policy and what should be expected throughout the week. We emphasized that we are the guests of the clinic and that we must abide by what the clinic wants, and engaging with anti-choice protesters would not be tolerated. We then all got up and practiced linking arms in a line and also how to create a buffer around a patient (you can never be too prepared, plus it's also just good to know). After getting the basic linking down, we then took a stab at practicing our non-engagement faces. We formed two lines and stood facing each other. We then started yelling insults at each other, one side pretending to be anti-choice protesters. Then one side pretended to be anti's while the other completely ignored them so we could get a feel of just how reserved we would need to be.

We also mentioned as clinic defense it's important to be aware of any information relevant to helping the clinic. This included alerting law enforcement when there was a problem, and notifying NCAP leaders if OR/OSA was trespassing or violating city ordinances.

Despite OR/OSA running amuck in the city, the pro-choice community of Charlotte was amazing. The NCAP team was welcomed with wide open arms. My campus organizer and I stayed with a professor from Davidson College that I had never met before, and he went out of his way to make sure we were as happy as could be. We were welcome in everyone's home, even those who weren't connected to the clinics at all. Pro-Choice Charlotte, Charlotte NOW, Planned Parenthood, UNCC Feminist Union, and many unaffiliated individuals who worked alongside NCAP created a dazzling web of pro-choice support and grassroots activism that would eventually lead to the first harassment-free day at a local clinic in eight years. Even local law enforcement which had been reluctant to help in the past took a new turn in supporting the clinics. It also lead to the creation of new alliances, friendships, and overall feminist fuzzy feelings between everyone there. My convictions were reaffirmed, and even strengthened by facing the extremist opposition. While draining emotionally and physically, and at times just ridiculous, I wouldn't trade this experience for anything.

--
Photo: Chalk message outside a local Charlotte clinic Friday, July 16th
Cross-posted at Ode to Patriarchy

From the Front Lines: Help Protect Abortion Providers in Charlotte, NC

Anti-abortion zealots Operation Rescue/Operation Save America are targeting Family Reproductive Health and other women's health care providers in Charlotte, NC July 17th - 24th.

We need your help!!!! Come show your support for reproductive freedom and abortion providers and help keep Charlotte clinics safe and open!

Join us for a clinic defense training with Charlotte's Pro-Choice Coalition to find out how you can help!

When: Thursday, July 15, 7:00-8:30pm

Where: University of North Carolina Charlotte, 9201 University City Blvd, Student Union, 3rd Floor, Multipurpose Room

Parking is available in Union Deck off of Cameron Blvd. For map and directions visit http://search.uncc.edu/maps/.

During this session we will provide information for volunteers interested in coming out the week of July 17-24 about how to be a clinic defender, basic role-playing, clinic defense code of conduct and our pledge of non-violence, what to expect, and other pro-choice activities the week of the siege.

Your help is vital to ensuring women in the Charlotte community can access the comprehensive health services they need. Please join us on Thursday!

Want to get involved but can't make it to the meeting, or need more information? Email ProChoiceCharlotte@gmail.com or call 213.440.1449.

Don't forget to watch for updates from Charlotte on Twitter at @feministcampus, @majorityspeaks, and @femmajority, #ClinicDef
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Photo Credit: on flickr.com

From the Front Lines: Charlotte, NC

Operation Rescue/Operation Save America has chosen Family Reproductive Health and other surrounding clinics in Charlotte, North Carolina as the focus of their 2010 clinic siege from July 17th to July 24th. Featuring the tagline "The King is Coming to the Queen City," OR/OSA has put out the call that "God Himself is calling us to the battle. Join us in Charlotte, North Carolina this July 17-24, and let us storm the gates of hell together" (from their national event brochure).

The pressure has already begun. Starting in December, WANTED posters featuring the personal information, including home addresses, of two Charlotte doctors were handed out in their neighborhoods and at clinics. In the 1990's, similar posters were seen before Dr. Gunn and Dr. Bayard Britton who were killed in Florida by anti-abortion extremists.

But we will keep Charlotte North Carolina the Queen's city.

Since OR/OSA announced its plan for the Charlotte clinic Feminist Majority Foundation has been working with officials and community leaders in the local area to prepare for the oncoming siege. During the siege FMF will have a team of six, including their legal coordinator and Clinic Defense team, working to make sure that Charlotte clinics stay open and safe.

During the siege, an intern will be live tweeting and blogging from the front lines of the abortion battle using @feministcampus, @majorityspeaks, and @femmajority. Look for the hashtag #ClinicDef for the latest updates.

--
Photo credit: respres on flickr.com

Book Review - Targets of Hatred: Anti-Abortion Terrorism (Baird-Windle)

Cross-posted at Ode to Patriarchy

So as part of my work on the National Clinic Access Project was reading up on the history of violence against abortion providers, clinics, staff, and patients. The book I was given was Targets of Hatred: Anti-Abortion Terrorism by Patricia Baird-Windle and Eleanor J. Bader. Starting in the 1960's and tracking up until the book was published in 2001, Targets of Hatred recounts the major events regarding clinic violence and harassment (wins and losses).

While most people know or remember individual events, few are aware of the massive amounts of simultaneous battering that clinics faced. From stalking charges, to bombings, to cancelled insurance policies, to legislative losses and of course death threats, murder attempts, and murders clinics and their employees were denied refuge where ever they went. Many burned out after the threats increased in fury and hatred.

One of the most important messages from this book is that cooperating law enforcement is absolutely essential to a clinic's safety. Clinics that had a positive relationship with impartial local law enforcement that enforced injunctions against the antis who violated them had less violent activity from protestors and/or were able to recover more quickly from attacks. On the other hand, lazy, biased and involved reactions from law enforcement only served to encourage illegal activities by antis. Even though the police are there to enforce the law, doesn't mean they always do.

But by far, the best aspect of this book for me was the personal accounts of those affected. It's one thing to hear that two people died in a clinic shooting, it's another to read someone's story of actually being there when it happened. They have accounts of day to day death threats, worries concerns, fears, and victories. There's a lot of talk about what clinics and providers need, but not always do you directly from those affected. It's no longer just a part of abortion history, it's real life.

The book was published in 2001, and since then there have obviously been a few big updates needed. Kopp was convicted in 2003, Dr. George Tiller was murdered, the Stupak Amendment was included in HCR, and state-by-state, limitations to access abortion have become rampant. As a third wave/radical/difference feminists, we have to educate ourselves on what our history is and what's happening now. You can follow the escalating violence in the novel; it's no surprise that we are where we are today with another murder and restricted access.

We also have to be the front-runners in approaching clinic violence for what it really is: terrorism working in terrorist cells. Not every protestor is part of the terrorist network, many do not condone violence against providers as a way to stop abortion. However, the proof is there. We're not just talking clinic blockades (which violate FACE), we're talking FIREBOMBS, EXPLOSIVES, SHRAPNEL BOMBS, and SNIPER EXECUTIONS. If we're supposedly fighting a war on terror, why aren't we investigating the Army of God which has a MANUAL ON HOW TO ATTACK CLINICS AND THE PROVIDERS, and has also been connected to the murderer James Kopp (Dr. Slepian 1998), Scott Roeder (Dr. Tiller 2009) and numerous attempted murders, firebombs, and acid attacks? That many of the people connected to it are advocates for "justifiable homicide" against providers, clinic administrators, and pretty much anyone associated with a clinic? How is any of it different from a terrorist cell?

Because we, as a nation, choose not to treat it as such.

--
Photo-credit: MacMillan, also where you can purchase the book - http://us.macmillan.com/targetsofhatred

Guest post: 10 ways to celebrate Roe v. Wade!

Guest post by Jesse Michener, treasurer of Kutztown University's Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance!

Friday was the 37th anniversary of Roe v. Wade, the landmark Supreme Court decision that re-legalized abortion in the United States. This is a day we feminist activists are supposed to be celebrating, but when looking at all of the barriers to obtaining safe, legal abortion, it’s difficult to celebrate.

There are more barriers to a woman’s right to choose today then there have been for decades. Many states have parental consent laws and mandatory delays. Add to that the lack of abortion providers and the harassment they face, and one can see how truly a woman’s right to choose is in jeopardy. That’s why on this anniversary, I think it’s important to remember a quote by Mother Jones, a labor activist, who once said, “Pray for the dead and fight like hell for the living.”

Before Roe, women died because they were unable to find safe abortion providers, and 37 years later we are still fighting to keep abortion safe and legal. That’s why we as pro-choice activists need to redouble our efforts to protect a woman’s right to choose, so that hopefully we can work to break down many of the barriers to choice that now exist. For this anniversary, I thought of ten things we all can do to support the pro-choice movement.

1. Online Activism: Everyone has a Facebook or a Myspace or a Twitter account. Use yours to support choice. Post pro-choice articles, make your status a pro-choice message, join pro-choice groups and become a fan of pro-choice organizations.

2. Join a group: There are many great pro-choice organizations out there from FMLAs on campus to local NOW chapters. Become involved in these organizations and work with others to make a difference.

3. Donate: Give what you can to organizations that support abortion rights. Organizations like the Feminist Majority, Planned Parenthood and the National Abortion Federation do amazing things. Giving just a little to these organizations can make a big difference.

4. Expose Fake Clinics and other anti-choice organizations: Many people are unaware that Crisis Pregnancy Centers do not refer for or perform abortions. It’s important to educate people on campus and in the community about this, so that people are aware and can make educated choices on where to go for reproductive health care.

5. Come Out: Come out as being pro-choice, discuss the issue with your friends and family, put a pro-choice bumper sticker on your car, wear a pro-choice shirt or button and be proud that you support a woman’s right to choose.

6. Volunteer: Many abortion providers need volunteers and there are many different ways one can. Clinic escorting is just one way to volunteer; this is where people walk patients and their support people through anti-choice protesters into the clinic. To find out how to help, call your local abortion provider and ask how you can help out.

7. VOTE: Becoming politically involved is one of the most important things we can do. Why not join a campaign, sign a petition or run for office. Being politically involved will ensure that future generations will still have the right to choose.

8. Educate Others: Organize an event on campus or do a presentation for a class on a woman’s right to choose. This is a great way to help others become more aware of important issues and to help more people get involved.

9. Advocate for others: Not everyone feels comfortable standing up for their own rights so it’s important for those of us who feel comfortable to speak up. Find out where your campus health center refers students who face an unintended pregnancy. If they don’t give students all of their options, speak up and fight for change.

10. Support All Choices: Last but not least, we need to remember that being pro-choice isn’t just about abortion, it’s about supporting self-determination. Over the last several decades the social safety net in our country has been eroded and it has become harder and harder for women who choose to become parents and adoption is a complicated process. We as feminist need to support women who choose to become parents and women who choose adoption as well.

Photo credit: KU FMLA

Thanks for weighing in, Jesse! If you would like to showcase your feminist group's activism around Roe v. Wade and abortion rights, send your 350 word post to campusteam (at) feminist (dot) org :D

NY Law Passed to Protect Reproductive Healthcare Workers

New York Governor David Paterson signed the Protections for Reproductive Health Care Act last week that will help protect those who work in reproductive health. The new law (see PDF) increases penalties for criminal activities that target healthcare providers and also expands protections to include volunteers for the first time as well as paid employees of women's health clinics.

The bill, first introduced in June by Assembly member Sam Hoyt (D-114) following the murder of Dr. George Tiller, creates new class E and C felonies for causing physical or serious physical injury to "someone obtaining, providing, or assisting someone to obtain or provide reproductive health services." It also attempts to effectively punish repeat offenders.

"Given the history of violence committed against patients and employees of women's health clinics across the United States and in New York State, establishment of these new offenses is appropriate," Governor Paterson said in a press release regarding the signing of the new law. "I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to quality, affordable health care in a safe environment."

Lynne Slepian, widow of abortion provider Dr. Barnett Slepian, who was murdered by sniper James Kopp at his home in 1998, spoke at a news conference on the enactment of the new law. She said that the new law is "going to set a precedent for the whole country, we hope. The issue [of clinic violence] is not going to go away. The issue will never go away. Hopefully, strong penalties will decrease the violence," reported the Buffalo News.

Source: Feminist News

Image Credit: .Laura. on flickr.com

Help wanted! Clinic defense in DC area

On Saturday morning, 75 protesters prayed and sang outside Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington DC while a handful of volunteers in oversized orange vests walked patients into the clinic.

Students from local universities were joined by clergy and assorted characters as they lined up on the sidewalk and across the street. They used walkie talkies so they could pray in unison.

Some students and older protesters acted as sidewalk stalkers, chasing after women walking in and out of the clinic to dissuade them from obtaining care from PPMW. One of the antis shouts at women mere inches from their face as he shadows them.

Busy day at the clinic.

The Washington Area Clinic Defense Task Force needs your help. The clinics in Manassas and Fall Church VA receive a lot of protesters throughout the year, and there aren't enough volunteers to shield patients from the antis. If you are able to volunteer as a clinic escort, email wacdtf@wacdtf.org to get involved.

I volunteer as a clinic escort at the DC clinic. I started in late May because I worked with several students who volunteered at clinics near them. After Dr. Tiller's assassination, it became pretty evident this was an important way to contribute to the pro-choice movement.

Longtime volunteers tell stories of when 500 antis would rush the clinic in waves to blockade and invade the clinics. During the 80s and 90s, they'd see blockades every 4-6 weeks or so. Law enforcement was slow and not too helpful.

The passage of the Freedom of Access to Clinics Entrances (FACE) Act in 1994 made it a federal offense to block access to clinics. The clinic protests got smaller, and the antis shifted toward legal strategies to limit abortion access.

This has helped, but clinics are still under attack by antis. In a 2008 survey, FMF's National Clinic Access Project found 20% of clinics in the US reported severe violence and harassment.

WACDTF discourages pro-choice counter-protests, as they believe this escalates the situation and feeds the antis' protests. Consequently, they think this is the reason for the relatively low levels of harassment in DC-metro area clinics. Still, on each anniversary of Roe v. Wade, 450+ antis will protest outside the clinics.

Doctors from the local clinics say women are less distressed when they enter clinics with a strong presence from clinic escorts. They require fewer sedatives and recover more easily after their appointment. So if you care about choice and about women's health, get trained by WACDTF or your friendly local clinic and get involved as a volunteer!

Are you looking for even more ways to get active? Donate to local organizations like the DC Abortion Fund that help low-income women pay for their abortions. Find your local abortion fund here. We need your support to protect choice, or else we will lose it.

Photo credit: benuski via Flickr

Clinic Defense in NYC

JOIN THE NEW YORK COALITION FOR ABORTION CLINIC DEFENSE (NYCACD) AT DR. EMILY’S WOMEN’S HEALTH CENTER TO SUPPORT WOMEN’S RIGHTS!

Dr. Emily’s clinic in the South Bronx has been the target of anti-abortion protesters. Offering free sonograms (administered by unqualified people outside the medical field), anti-abortion pamphlets, and plastic fetuses on display, protesters attempt to convince women seeking abortions to change their minds.

Since June, NYCACD has collaborated with clinic staff to launch a weekly clinic defense campaign, and effectively prevented anti-choicers from intimidating/harassing people coming to Dr. Emily's clinic. Starting September 23, however, the protesters are planning a 40-day prayer and fasting "vigil" called "40 days for life."

Two years ago, with a similar campaign, they thronged the sidewalk and were able to physically block staff and clients from entering the clinic. This year, the goal is to OUT NUMBER THEM; to provide safe escort for staff and patients into the clinic, and to let the anti-choice bigots know THEY CANNOT GET AWAY WITH THIS!

WHEN:

Every Saturday ( we are working to organize students to come out during the week)

September 26th-October 31st

8am to Noon

WHERE:

Dr. Emily's Women's Health Center

560 Southern Blvd

Bronx, New York

DIRECTIONS:

Take the 6 train to 149th Street

To RSVP: nycacd@gmail.com

Whether you are coming as an individual or as part of an organization, please RSVP!

Questions?

Email them to nycacd@gmail.com OR simply ask them when you RSVP!

There will be a public meeting/training on September 19, 2009 @ La Pregunta Arts Cafe (on Amsterdam between 135th & 136th) 1pm-3pm

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1123080002&ref=nf#/event.php?eid=155863056092&index=1

NYCACD blog: www.nycacd.blogspot.com

Rachel Maddow on Anti-Abortion Extremists

Rachel Maddow is one of the few in the mass media market who continuously stays on top of issues that I care about; in particular: women's rights, LGBTQ rights, civil rights...ya know, HUMAN RIGHTS.

Most recently and closest to home for me, as a staff member for FMF working with our National Clinic Access Project, I have greatly appreciated Ms. Maddow's close attention to and investigative reporting of anti-abortion extremists. Not only does she dig deeper than most, she calls our attention to the key connections no one else seems to pay attention to AND she keeps coming back to it, over and over again!

Here's the latest from the Rachel Maddow show, linking the anti-abortion extremist groups who celebrated Dr. George Tiller's murder with the current threats facing Dr. LeRoy Carhart, a close friend and colleague of Dr. Tiller.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Supporting Dr. Carhart, Trusting Women

Following the murder of Dr. George Tiller last May, anti-abortion extremists have turned their attention to Dr. LeRoy Carhart, a friend of Dr. Tiller's and an abortion provider. This past weekend, pro-choice advocates and activists turned out en masse to show their support for Dr. LeRoy Carhart at his clinic in Omaha, Nebraska.

Among the local, state and national groups that came to support Dr. Carhart this weekend (in numbers FAR larger than the anti-choice protesters) were the Feminist Majority Founadation, the National Organization for Women, the World Can't Wait, and NARAL Pro-Choice Colorado.

Individuals and organizations around the country are declaring two of the fundamental principles of modern feminism: 'trust women' and 'keep abortion SAFE and LEGAL.' Among those raising their voice is Dr. Suzanne Poppema, Board Chair for Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health. Check out Dr. Poppema's statement below:

FMF helps abortion providers to keep clinics safe and open

Check out what Eleanor Smeal and Kathy Spillar have to say about the protection of Dr. Carhart's clinic in this Feminist Majority Foundation press release.

Feminist Majority Foundation Defends Targeted Nebraska Abortion Provider

The Feminist Majority Foundation joined pro-choice supporters nationwide in announcing their full support of Dr. Leroy Carhart and the Abortion and Contraception Clinic of Nebraska at a press conference in Omaha, Nebraska today. Pro-choice supporters from 16 states are defending the clinic. Dr. Carhart had traveled to Wichita each month to work with Dr. Tiller, who was assassinated in May.

Katherine Spillar, Executive Vice President of the Feminist Majority Foundation, joined Dr. Carhart and national pro-choice leaders including Terry O'Neill, National President of the National Organization for Women, at the Omaha press conference today. NARAL Pro-Choice America, the National Abortion Federation, and Physicians for Reproductive Choice and Health also joined in support. "Anti-abortion extremists are trying to win on the streets what they have lost at the ballot box," said Spillar. "The Feminist Majority Foundation and its thousands of supporters nationwide are determined to defend Dr. Carhart and his courageous staff to keep this clinic safe and open."

The pro-choice press conference today in Omaha was in direct response to Operation Rescue of Wichita initiating targeted demonstrations and so-called "street counseling" in Omaha and at Dr. Carhart's Bellevue clinic this weekend. Troy Newman of Operation Rescue has announced a new multi-group campaign called "Keep it Closed," which aims to ensure Dr. Carhart does not open a late abortion clinic in Wichita, any other place in Kansas, or nearby Nebraska. And Newman hoped "through the use of peaceful, legal means" that Dr. Carhart "will soon be out of the abortion business for good."

The Nebraska State Health Department has confirmed that a complaint was filed by several anti-abortion groups, including Operation Rescue, against Dr. Carhart on many of the same allegations previously used to investigate Dr. Tiller. All such complaints filed against Dr. Tiller ultimately failed.

Dr. Carhart stated emphatically at the press conference that all patients will be seen today. Wearing a "Trust Women" button, he asserted he would not be intimidated and knows he provides a vital medical service.

Katherine Spillar continued, "In this country, we must not settle political differences of opinion by what amounts to a campaign of intimidation."

"Since the election of President Barack Obama, and now even more so since the assassination of Dr. George Tiller at his church in Wichita, Kansas, threats are escalating against abortion clinics in some 14 states," said Eleanor Smeal, President of the Feminist Majority Foundation. "For example, in Colorado, Donald Hertz has just been indicted for threatening Dr. Hern and his family. The constant vilifying of reproductive health providers as murderers is not only inflammatory, but is also contrary to established medical practices that save women's lives. Worse yet, it emboldens potential assassins."

Msg from Ellie Smeal: Dr. Carhart needs your help!

Operation Rescue of Wichita, Kansas, has a new target: Dr. Leroy Carhart and his clinic in Bellevue, Nebraska.

Dr. Carhart had traveled to Wichita each month to work with Dr. Tiller, who was murdered in May. Dr. Carhart needs our help now. The situation is urgent.

Troy Newman of Operation Rescue has announced a new multi-group campaign called "Keep it Closed," which aims to make sure Dr. Carhart does not open a late abortion clinic in Wichita, any other place in Kansas, or nearby Nebraska.

And Newman hoped "through the use of peaceful, legal means" that Dr. Carhart "will soon be out of the abortion business for good." Operation Rescue is initiating targeted demonstrations and so-called "street counseling" in Omaha and at Carhart's Bellevue clinic August 28-29.

We must do all we can to keep Dr. Carhart and his staff safe and his clinic safe and open.

You can help Dr. Carhart and his embattled clinic by making an emergency, tax-deductible contribution today. Half of your contribution will go directly to Dr. Carhart's clinic to defray the increased legal and skyrocketing security costs - a new metal detector to screen everyone entering the clinic, more security cameras, and other enhanced security measures.

And the other half of your emergency contribution will support our efforts to help keep this clinic and other targeted and embattled clinics nationwide safe and open. Since Dr. Tiller's murder, hostile activities towards clinics are increasing in more than 10 states against abortion providers.

We are working closely with Dr. Carhart, his clinic staff, federal and local law enforcement, and pro-choice community volunteers to prepare for the Operation Rescue-led demonstrations.

Escalating activities targeting Dr. Carhart and his staff eerily resemble the harassment of Dr. Tiller. Operation Rescue has posted photos of Dr. Carhart on their website and has submitted a formal request to Nebraska's Attorney General to investigate Dr. Carhart on many of the same allegations previously used to investigate Dr. Tiller.

Dr. Carhart needs our help. Without clinics, there can be no choice for women. Please make a special tax-deductible emergency contribution now.

Together, we can make a difference.

For Women's Lives,

Eleanor Smeal
President

P.S. Dr. Carhart needs our help now. Keep this doctor and his staff safe and his clinic open - and help clinics nationwide.

Call to Action! Counter 40 Days for Life Protesters

"40 Days for Life," is a national campaign of anti-abortion protesters gathering at comprehensive women's health clinics around the country for mass protests and vigils.

The latest round of protests is set to begin on September 23. Your local abortion clinic may need your help protecting its patients and dealing with this onslaught of anti-choicers. Check out this list of targeted clinics and volunteer to assist your local clinic during the campaign.

Organized groups like FMLAs and other campus feminist organizations are ideal partners for local clinics and can help mobilize large groups of volunteers. If you cannot volunteer your time, consider holding a fundraiser to benefit a local clinic or the National Clinic Access Project, which protects clinics across the country.

Newsday Tuesday: August 11 Edition

Hello fellow feminists! It's Tuesday again which means in it time for another round up of Newsday Tuesday. Our numbers are dwindling in the office as more and more of my fellow interns head back home. Soon I'll be the only one left if I don't melt from the heat and humidity we are currently experiencing. Talk about a heat wave!

Nonetheless, news still is happening! This week was filled with many sad and happy events. The most recent was unfortunately a sad one. Eunice Kennedy Shriver, who founded the Special Olympics and championed the rights of the mentally disabled, died early this morning.

Along with her passing, another sad news story from this past week was the hate crime against women Tuesday night in Pennsylvania. George Sodini shot and killed three women and injured 11 more before killing himself. Sodini entered an aerobics class at a gym in the Pittsburgh area intending to take revenge on women, who he saw as rejecting him as a whole.

Now on to happier news! Judge Sonia Sotomayor was officially sworn in as an associate justice of the Supreme Court on Saturday. This is after her confirmation Thursday from the Senate by a 68-31 vote. She will be the 111th justice, the third woman, and first Hispanic to serve on the Supreme Court.

Also, a judge in Oakland, California ruled Wednesday that an ordinance prohibiting protesters from approaching women entering abortion clinics is constitutional. The bubble ordinance bars protesters from coming within eight feet of women seeking access to a reproductive health clinic. The plaintiff in the case was Walter Hoye, who claimed that the bubble ordinance was vague and unfairly applied to opponents of abortion.

There were also several important reports released last week. Chair of the Joint Economic Committee, Representative Carolyn Maloney, and her colleagues released a report Thursday stating that more than 1.4 million women are adversely affected by the recession because they are losing their health insurance through their own or their spouse's job loss. In addition, there is an increase in uninsured children due to an increase in unemployment among single mothers.

Along with that, the American Psychological Association (APA) announced Wednesday that psychologists should not advise gay clients that therapy can help them become straight. Of 83 studies of sexual orientation conducted since 1960, no evidence could be found that therapy can change an individual's sexual orientation.

Some other important news in the world of feminism includes Secretary of State Hillary Clinton trip to Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, to denounce atrocities against women in the war-ravaged country. Clinton is visiting for two days to raise awareness of the prevalence of sexual assault and the use of rape as a weapon of war. Since the war in the Congo began in 1998, tens of thousands of women and girls have been raped.

Also, Fox News commentator Glenn Beck joked about poisoning House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's wine on his show last week. Beck's statements came just three days after he decried violence and disrespect in political commentary.

Photo courtesy of keithpr on flikr.com

Help Protect Dr. Carhart's Clinic!!

Federal marshals are no longer protecting Dr. Leroy Carhart. At a time when anti-choice violence is on the rise and instances of domestic terrorism are flaring up on street corners across the nation, the Department of Justice has decided to stop protecting Dr. Carhart.

Antis have threatened his clinic. They have threatened his life. In doing so, they have threatened the future of reproductive rights in the United States.

Operation Rescue and other anti-choice extremist groups are in the process of training individuals to blockade Dr. Carhart’s clinic at the end of August. They are inviting certain individuals to “training sessions” that they are hoping will end in the closing of Dr. Carhart’s clinic. In a recent article by Jodi Jacobson of RH Reality Check, she offers some insight into the threatening undertones of this blockade.

This is where you come in… If you, or anyone you know who cares about reproductive rights, will be in/near/around Nebraska toward the end of August, join up with local women’s rights organizations to help peacefully protect access to Dr. Carhart’s clinic. In the meantime, we will continue to plead with the federal government to reinstate marshal protection for Dr. Carhart.

Feel free to contact campusteam@feminist.org with any questions or comments.
Photo courtesy of www.flickr.com