Thirty years ago on March 10, 1993, an abortion provider named Dr. David Gunn was murdered by an anti-abortion extremist in Pensacola, Florida. Three years later, March 10 became National Abortion Provider Appreciation Day: a day to honor Dr. Gunn and to show our gratitude for the clinicians, nurses and health center staff who provide abortions, before- and after-care for patients, and work tirelessly against abortion stigma.
Let’s be clear. The decision about whether and when to become a parent is one of the most important life decisions a person can make, and abortion providers MUST be accessible in order for people to make real decisions about their bodies, lives and futures. Abortion providers and clinic staff support their patients’ decisions by treating them with dignity, compassion and respect, helping to ensure that all women, trans men, non-binary folx and all other people who can become pregnant can make their own decisions about their bodies and their pregnancies.
But let’s be honest, in the post-Roe v. Wade world, abortion care providers across the country have faced increased levels of violence, scrutiny and legal hurdles for providing an essential health care service. Yet they choose to show up every day without fail, offering compassion and care to all. Despite adversity, our abortion providers have displayed nothing but strength and perseverance; they have brought hope to the front lines of this battle, working tirelessly to ensure our patients receive the care they deserve – no matter what.
So let’s make a point to celebrate, honor and thank these doctors, nurses, physician assistants, midwives, staff, volunteers, doulas and advocates – today, this month and every day. Because without their courageous and unwavering efforts, including and especially during difficult times like these, life-saving help would not be possible. From all of us – THANK YOU.