Will There Be Protesters at My Abortion Clinic?

If you’ve decided that an abortion is the right choice for you, rest assured that you are making a safe choice that will not affect long-term fertility or health. Abortion is a normal part of women’s health care, and it can even save lives. Tragically, it has also been politicized, leading women to worry that they are doing something wrong. Abortion clinic protesters are a real problem, and you may wonder if there will be protesters outside of the clinic where you have your abortion. There may be. Here’s what you need to know.

Will There Be Protesters Outside the Clinic?

Some clinics have protesters all the time. Others only get occasional protests, and some have never dealt with protesters. A lot depends on the clinic’s location. If there’s a safe, convenient place to protest nearby, protesters are likely. High-profile clinics are also more likely to gain the attention of protesters.

Try calling the clinic ahead of time to ask about protesters. The clinic can tell you whether and when to expect protesters, what the protesters are like, and where they are located. In most cases, they’ll be happy to offer a plan for minimizing your exposure to them. For example, they might suggest parking in a specific out-of-the-way location.

Making Your Safety and Self-Care Plan

Dealing with protesters can be hard. It’s unfair. But it’s the reality of politicized healthcare in this country. Before you go to the clinic, consider making a safety and self-care plan. Some things you can do include:

• Park somewhere where protesters cannot see your car.
• Do not engage with protesters.
• Try wearing ear plugs so you don’t hear protesters.
• Ignore protest signs; they are full of lies and designed to be upsetting.
• Ask the clinic if they have escorts.
• Call the police if a protester threatens or touches you.
• Take someone with you to the clinic for additional support.

Choosing a compassionate and safe abortion clinic can make it easier to deal with protesters. Good clinics often take extraordinary measures to reduce the intrusiveness of anti-choice zealots. So ask the clinic what you can expect, and begin your search for a quality abortion clinic here.

WASHINGTON, DC – JANUARY 17: A clinic escort walks outside of the Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan Washington, D.C during a protest vigil sponsored by The Christian Defense Coalition and Priests for Life Carol Whitehill Moses Center on January 17, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Zach Gibson/Getty Images)