South Bend clinic emblematic of abortion debate around the country [View all]
A young woman exited the back door of the clinic clutching a fistful of crumpled tissues in one hand and some paperwork in the other as she made her way to the parking lot.
A trio of volunteers in bright pink vests labeled Pro-Choice Clinic Escort walked beside her until the patient reached her SUV. As she drove off the property, the escorts each deployed a rainbow-hued umbrella, hoisting them over their shoulders to form a colorful barrier between the vehicle and several protesters out front. Some were praying, others bore signs declaring Abortion takes a human life and Its a child, not a choice.
With reproductive rights of limbo: A federal judge in May granted a preliminary injunction allowing Whole Womans Health of South Bend to perform medication abortions even as the clinic remains unlicensed by the Indiana State Department of Health, pending the outcome of a lawsuit filed by the clinics owner. The state has appealed the temporary opening to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Chicago.
I felt so ashamed
No one should have to go through this, said 26-year-old Sarah Knowlton, a clinic escort who trains other volunteers. We shield the patients. A lot of patients dont understand, they think theyre just going to a doctors appointment. I didnt understand when I was a patient.
Read more: https://www.southbendtribune.com/news/local/south-bend-clinic-emblematic-of-abortion-debate-around-the-country/article_8ae757e1-355b-5fa6-8dea-b56c37207297.html