Spotlight on....

March 10, 2010

Today we honor the people who provide abortions. March 10 is the day David Gunn, MD, was murdered by an anti-choice extremist. This year we will think of him; George Tiller, MD; and the others who lost their lives because they performed abortions.

Today we also pay tribute to the providers who press on. These physicians and their patients should not have to stay in the shadows. Each of us has a responsibility to end the silence and shame around abortion. If we don’t, says our board chair, Suzanne Poppema, MD, abortion will cease to be available to the women who need it. Read her full statement.

On RH Reality Check, abortion provider Linda Prine, MD, reflects on her patients’ gratitude and how it motivates her to keep serving women and their families.

Today we ask you to join us in fighting the stigma around abortion. Write a note or send a card to an abortion provider. Start a conversation with a friend about the challenges faced by abortion providers and patients. Tell the world, “I love pro-choice doctors!” through a t-shirt or button—visit the PRCH store.

“I provide abortions because I value the life and health of my patients, and because when abortion is not legal, safe, and accessible, women suffer and die.”—Teresa DePineres, MD, MPH, in “Why I Provide Abortions”

“I let people know what I do, wherever I go.”—Christopher Estes, MD, MPH

“Why do I provide? … Because no one should be made to feel bad or guilty for making the best decision for themselves and their family.”—Katharine O’Connell, MD, MPH, in “Why I Provide Abortions”

Curtis Boyd, MD, provided safe abortions before the procedure became legal. Watch him tell his story, which is part of PRCH’s documentary about abortion before Roe v. Wade, Voices of Choice.

In these video clips, George Tiller, MD, explains why he became an abortion provider and why he stayed in the field. Dr. Tiller once served on the PRCH board and remained an integral part of the PRCH network until his death. We miss him.