We are in the midst of what Anti-Choice bullies call the “40 Days for Life” protests, which began on March 5 and run through the end of Lent on April 13. The word “life” is apparently open to interpretation by these people because the lives of women don’t seem to be included. Across the country, extremist demonstrators are protesting at health clinics that allow women to exercise their reproductive rights. In San Jose, the campaign showed up on the doorsteps of Planned Parenthood with two women.
One of them was holding a sign that read: “Pray to end abortion.” It doesn’t sound so intimidating, but to a young woman dealing with perhaps the most difficult experience of her life, it is. It’s bullying in every sense of the word. Though I recognize people’s right to protest, I find it outrageous that those people intimidate and harass patients who are simply trying to access their right to safe healthcare. The campaign should be called “40 Days of Harassment.”
It’s embarrassing that patients have to put up with that in this day and age. Since when does every ejaculation deserve a name? Women seeking help with a very personal decision deserve peace and dignity in receiving healthcare services. These protesters who say they believe “every life is sacred” should be considering the life of the woman they’re trying to shame. But they don’t. I know this from the times when I did clinic defense and when I was arrested and spent time in Elmwood County jail while defending doctors’ homes when the anti-choicers were protesting the “Bubble Ordinance” in San Jose.
Let’s remember what the buttons we used to wear said: “Right to Life your name’s a lie, You don’t care if women die.” And “If men could get pregnant, abortion would be a sacrament”. Please join me in protecting choice. If you see someone taking part in the “40 Days of Harassment,” let them know they ought to be ashamed of themselves.
Claudia Shope is a community activist.
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