Abortion providers appreciated

In light of the Supreme Court’s ruling that allows South Carolina to place unnecessary requirements on abortion providers, I thought it my duty to let everyone know that this past Saturday, March 10 was the National Day of Appreciation for Abortion Providers.

This legislation was designed to drive abortion providers out of business and make abortions exceedingly expensive for patients. The day recognizes the invaluable work of doctors, nurses and clinic staff who provide abortion services and marks the anniversary of the assassination of Dr. David Gunn, the Florida abortion provider who was murdered by an anti-choice extremist in 1992. Too often, abortion providers must endure harassment and threats of violence. Abortion providers and clinics are under attack — you can see that just by walking past any Planned Parenthood in the morning and seeing the numerous anti-choice protesters outside.

Abortion is the most common elective surgical procedure, yet it is the most stigmatized. The number of abortion providers is dwindling. In Massachusetts, the number of abortion providers fell 20 percent between 1992 and 1996 (more than the national average). Most medical schools don’t even offer training for abortions anymore — any doctor who feels that abortion is important to learn must do so outside of school (as if medical students don’t have enough to do).

No matter how you feel about abortion, everyone has the right to do what is right for them and do so without harassment or threat. Those who provide services to the public are also entitled to these rights. In honor of this day, I have written to a local clinic thanking them for their work and encourage you to do the same. Medicine and the access to medical care in a safe environment are essential to every human being, and we need to protect that right.

Rosanne Milano CAS ’01