2.14.2011

I unexpectedly spent some of my lunch hour in a yelling match. Specifically, with some protestors outside my local Planned Parenthood. I didn't know they were there, I was just headed to tutor ESL students at the local community college and there they were, gory signs and all. Usually I'm too intimidated to say anything (and I just scurry by with a mean look on my face), but when I saw the protestors today, I saw all the girls and women who would now be too scared to enter the building and, as a result, would be at increased risk for STDs, unwanted pregnancy, and a sense of shame about their own bodies. I saw every woman who doesn't think she has the right to say no to sex, every girl who believes the lies she is told about what's "normal," and every boy or man too scared to talk to his partners about sexual health. Those protestors aren't just voicing their opinions - they are spreading lies and putting other people at risk. I've decided that now, anytime I see a protest outside a PP, I will take the time to cross that protest line, go inside, and thank the workers. That's what I did today, and they were so touched and grateful. It felt like an important human connection, and stopped me from feeling complicit in supporting the protestors with my silence. Women's rights are human rights.

12 comments:

M said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
M said...

I'm proud to be your friend.

Unknown said...

so proud! we literally had an experience like this recently. I started going to PP for my bc recently, and J came with me. we purposefully went on sat morning knowing there would be protesters. we ignored them going in but on the way out J got so mad he started arguing with one of them (she was asking whether I had changed my mind & decided to have my baby & it became an argument b/n him and her about whether PP does more than just abortions, which we obviously know is true) He ended up lying & telling her that I was carrying his child & we were receiving prenatal care there.
He's definitely planning on coming back with me the next time I go :)

Shorty said...

"M," love you

Michelle, love that, and props to J for getting involved too! Seriously, is there anything hotter than a partner who steps up on the sexual health front?? Happy V Day to you both

Amy said...

Your bravery is impressive and inspiring.

Anonymous said...

what a great idea and so brave. I am so thankful for the courage of women and men who stand up for the rights of everyone.

i had an experience where there were protestors at a hospital where i went to emergency because i was having a miscarriage, and it made the experience so much worse because of the assumptions and judgements made by the protestors.

i am a mother - and i want my children, both male and female to have the choice about if and when they become parents, freedom =power.

Shauna (Fido and Wino) said...

Good for you. It can be really difficult to stand up for what you believe in.

Good for you!

Unknown said...

Brave women, I thank you! That is the greatest idea. I am happy you stood up and that you shared it.

Bill said...

Nice to see someone sticking (and speaking up,) for these rights. As someone who was involved in a relationship with a worker at PP for a good amount of time I've definitely had my run-ins with these protesters.

I'm a strong advocate for the freedom to speak your mind, but the things I've seen and heard some of these groups do definitely raises my hackles!

Unknown said...

Yes! What a great idea. I think I'll do the same. When I couldn't afford insurance PP was vital in helping me make sure that I kept healthy and had birth control.

TC said...

Awesome!

Shorty said...

I love all the support and conversation this (impulsive) post generated! You are all awesome, and I'm so proud to stand along side you in the good fight.