Extremists Use Pandemic to Terrorize Abortion Clinics

Dear Common Ills, Disgusting. Frightening. Sickening. These are just a few of the words describing the repulsive actions of anti-abortion extremists at clinics across the nation. AND NOW…in the midst of the pandemic they’ve resorted to the despicable tactic of fake coughing on women patients entering the clinics. THAT’S WHY I’m rushing you this emergency request for help. I’m happy to report we are more than halfway to our goal of $31,500 to protect these abortion clinics under siege. In fact, we have already raised $18,300. We can do it. I’m depending on you to chip in and do you to do your part to meet this emergency goal. duVergne Gaines, Director of our National Clinic Access Project, reports that anti-abortion extremists have ramped up their tactics in the key cities of Milwaukee, Detroit, Jacksonville, Huntsville, Indianapolis, Charlotte, Raleigh and Greensboro. MAKING MATTERS WORSE…anti-abortion extremists are unleashing the unthinkable: In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic some of these zealots are doubling down by confronting patients and staff in close physical proximity, crowding and touching them—harassing and threatening to expose them to COVID-19.They must be stopped. That is why I’m asking you to make a tax-deductible donation for whatever you can to our EMERGENCY PROTECTION FUND. Today, if at all possible. Funds are urgently needed for security and other essential protection from these anti-abortion extremists. Here are the most urgent needs for immediate and additional security and support at some of these threatened clinics: Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Affiliated Medical Services clinic has faced extreme harassment for years. One of the largest providers in the state, the clinic suspended their volunteer clinic escort program following the governor’s stay-at-home orders, and has requested assistance with hiring security guards throughout the week for the next 6-8 weeks. An extremist associated with the Army of God harassed employees while standing just inches from the main clinic door. We are awaiting a final estimate for security guards, but based on past experience: We estimate costs will run between $7,000-$8,000. Indianapolis, Indiana. Clinic for Women, which serves patients from throughout Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio, has had to hire security and additional staff to help manage and screen patients in order to ensure the safety of clinic staff and patients. The clinic also needed to find protective masks for non-medical staff, so last week, we reached out to a volunteer collective in Chapel Hill, North Carolina that is sewing masks and arranged the production and shipment to this important provider. The Clinic for Women estimates additional costs will run $5,500. North Carolina. A Woman’s Choice Clinics in Raleigh, Charlotte, and Greensboro have requested help feeding staff who are on extended work schedules. These clinics are under siege by virulent demonstrators who continue to urge hundreds of their followers to target clinics. Recently, police arrested protesters on two different days for violating state emergency orders and laws.  Jacksonville, Florida. A Woman’s Choice Clinic in Jacksonville has also requested help with feeding staff who are working additional shifts. The North Carolina and Florida emergency request combined totals $8,800. Westland, Michigan. Northland Family Planning, a clinic in the Detroit suburb of Westland, is facing aggressive protesters. Members of this group of protestors were cited by police, but already these zealots have filed a lawsuit challenging these citations. With the escorts ceasing operations following the governor’s stay-at-home orders, the clinic is requesting emergency funds to pay for additional security guards. Northland Family Planning needs $4,500 to cover additional security costs. Huntsville, Alabama. Alabama Women's Center continues to have disruptive protesters target their patients and clinic. This critical facility has had to hire additional staff to help screen and direct patients and secure thier entrance. In addition, this courageous clinic itself is fighting to stay open and provide abortion care while complying with new terrible restrictions set forth by the state. This clinic needs our help. The Alabama Women's Center needs $4,700. PLEASE DO YOUR PART These urgent requests are not the only ones – they are just the beginning. We’re over halfway to our goal of raising $31,500 to meet this emergency. We can’t let these clinics down. We can do it. Everything you give is tax deductible and will go directly to these vital clinics for security and emergency protection. We are doing everything we can to help these clinics stay open and keep abortion accessible. Please let me know we can count on you. For Women's Lives, Eleanor Smeal President, Feminist Majority Foundation P.S. Please make a tax-deductible donation for whatever amount you can. Clinics need your help!