Learn how you can become an abortion clinic escort | Bulletin

Friend — 

As we await a decision from the Supreme Court on Dobbs v. Jackson, the case that could overturn Roe, we’re thinking through ways to support people receiving abortions or other reproductive health care. We’re hosting an information session on what it means to be an escort clinic on Monday at 8pm, and we hope you’ll join us. 

Why is it necessary for volunteers to escort patients to clinics? Here are some things patients may encounter after arriving at a clinic for an appointment:

• A lack of local clinics can result in patients traveling far from familiar neighborhoods, where they may not know the layout, entrances, or parking. This can cause a lot of confusion on a day that is likely to already be high-anxiety for a number of reasons.
• Protesters outside clinics can often be angry and aggressive, holding graphic signs and yelling insults. Patients can easily become discouraged from entering the building for their appointment and might even be pushed to leave the premises completely if they feel unsafe or guilted out of their decision.
• Though illegal, some protesters might physically assault patients, or encroach on their personal space, try to record personal information like license plate numbers and names, and take pictures of patients.
• Other protesters (often families with kids of all ages) take a calmer approach by adopting a veneer of kindness and concern. They pray loudly for patients and ask if they want more information on alternatives to abortion – even though these options have almost certainly already been presented to patients by abortion providers. These protesters may even attempt to bribe patients with promises of money, prenatal care, or other forms of assistance.
• Crisis Pregnancy Centers are often stationed near abortion clinics with staff ready to try and confuse and lure already-overwhelmed patients into their “clinics” instead of the facility they actually had an appointment at.

Well-organized escorts can provide a friendly face and a safe space as soon as patients arrive in a potentially high-anxiety and confusing situation. They can provide patients with comfort and security, and ensure they aren’t lured into interactions or situations that may be unpleasant or dangerous. 

In situations where patients may feel like responding to protesters with anger or aggression, escorts can help keep the patient moving and deescalate encounters that might otherwise become hostile. Escorts can provide security from the clinic back to the patient’s car after an appointment, too. The presence of a knowledgeable escort will usually reduce the instances of protesters attempting to follow patients off the property when leaving and/or recording license plates or other personal information.

Escorts performing this work alleviate a huge burden from the health care workers as well. Well-trained volunteers managing this responsibility allow clinic workers to focus on providing the care each patient deserves.

If you’re interested in becoming a clinic escort, please RSVP to Monday evening’s meeting. You can also reach out to Melissa at [email protected] to get involved in Philly DSA’s abortion defense organizing. 

On the calendar
Unless otherwise specified, all events are held via Zoom.
Rent Control Canvass, June 18 in Mifflin Square Park at 1pm 
Join DSA and the Philadelphia Rent Control Coalition for an afternoon of knocking doors and talking to Philadelphians about Good Cause Legislation and Rent Control.

Communications Committee Meeting, June 20 at 6pm
Become a part of the team that brings you your weekly bulletins and so much more. 😎

Structured Organizing Training, June 21 at 7pm
Our Housing Committee is hosting a summer training on organizing techniques, including leadership identification and one-on-one conversations. Sign up here!

Ben Fletcher Campaign Meeting, June 22 at 7pm
Join to help the campaign team develop a mural to honor Ben Fletcher, African American labor leader in the Marine Transport Worker Industrial Union.

DSA, we have a waste problem! Trash incineration and environmental racism, June 22 at 8pm
Debunk “greenwashing,” explore the science behind incineration, and hear from groups on the frontlines of this issue – with Delco DSA and chapters across the country.

Green New Deal for Philly Public Schools Campaign Meeting, June 23 at 6:30pm
Stop by to learn about our work to create a safe school in every neighborhood, and hear how you can get involved in research, communications, legislation and direct actions!

June New Member Meeting, June 26 at 3pm
Join the Member Engagement Committee for our first in-person New Member Meeting of the year! You’ll learn more about our campaigns and meet some of our members.

View the full calendar

Updates from the branches

BuxMont Pride Socialist Social, June 24 at 7pm
Virtually hang out with your comrades at this Pride edition of the Socialist Social! 

BuxMont General Meeting, June 21 at 7pm
Hear reports from working groups and committees, discuss and debate upcoming actions, and vote on resolutions proposed by the membership.

View all BuxMont events or all Delco events

This week in unions

• Yesterday, we stood with Teamsters at Penn who are still fighting for a new contract. Their contract expires on June 30, and their goal is to end the two-tier pay scale. They’ll be rallying at Penn again on the 30th (time TBA!) so try to make it out. Read more about their fight.
• We’ve continued our work supporting Starbucks workers around the city. Read more about our latest action and stay tuned for more ways to support these workers. Fill out our interest form if you’d like to receive updates.
• Hudson Workers United is unionizing in the North America Immigration Law Group (NAmILG/WeGreened)'s network of companies, and are facing a lot of union busting. 
  • Please join them for a phone zap TOMORROW, Friday, June 17 (all day). If you can participate, please sign up using this RSVP form. For more information on the union and the retaliatory union busting, please reach out to [email protected] or [email protected], or visit WeGreenedExposed.com.

To get involved: If you’re interested in organizing your workplace or supporting workers and unions taking collective action, email [email protected].

On the bulletin

• If you’re a Philly DSA member and you’d like to join our Slack workspace, please fill out this form. 
  • Our Slack hosts nearly 400 members who share updates from their DSA projects, get to know other members, and organize between meetings. 
• Harassment and Grievance Process: Read about the process to file a grievance here.

In solidarity,

Philly DSA
http://www.phillydsa.org/

“The old world is dying, and the new world struggles to be born: now is the time of monsters.” - Antonio Gramsci