As someone who has worked with abortion providers and defended clinics for many years, I have learned that the only way to prevent anti-abortion protesters (or, “antis”) from physically interfering with women (and their accompanying partners, relatives or friends) going into a clinic is by relying on our own efforts – and not laws.
Karen Duda signed petitions, went to rallies and participated in traditional pro-choice activism. But, she said, “I wanted to do more.” She found the “more” in Haven in New York City six years ago, and now serves as its coordinator. It is, says Duda, “a way to have an immediate impact on women’s lives.”
By the time a woman arrives at the clinic, she has already thought a lot about her pregnancy and what to do next. But she still has to run a gauntlet of people questioning her, and confront their lies.