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We never make assumptions, and we focus a lot on consent from the clients and their companions. They talk about things like focusing on de-escalation, not making assumptions. When and why did you first get involved with Louisville Clinic Escorts? How has escorting changed over the years? Security Checkpoint Hours are: 4:30 a. m. Ts escort in louisville ky.gov. – 9:00 p. daily. Sometimes people line up along the property line to hold space to allow people to pass from the sidewalk to the private property without being obstructed. Escorts are stationed throughout the entire area surrounding the clinic, so it's a pretty busy downtown road, especially on weekdays.
In May, 10 of its members were arrested when they linked hands to block the entrance of the clinic and refused to move when asked to do so by law enforcement. At the time, it was a very small group of folks, and I wanted to show up and do what I could because I didn't think that that type of harassment was an okay thing for people to have to endure. In general, we've seen an increase in attendance at this clinic because it's the only one. Prepare to breeze through security by making sure you have the essentials checked off on our list of dos and don'ts. We have photos of all of the above, including protesters doing things like pressing signs into the faces of the escorts as the escort practices non-engagement.
They also set up a baby coffin on the sidewalk. My first experience with them was in winter when they came and were really aggressive. Can you summarize what you tell volunteers about how to interact with both protesters and clients? On an average Saturday, we will see between 50 and 70 protesters, somewhere around 20 or 25 escorts, and the number of clients varies, but usually between 15 to 25. We were aware that OSA was in town and that it was going to be a big day. Sometimes that can turn into aggression. Sometimes they'll get to the property line and say their piece and get it off their chest and turn around triumphantly and walk inside. I've definitely been grabbed out there. It was the day before Mother's Day. Are there any really difficult moments that stick out for you?
To, just based on body language, "If you want to grab my arm, you may. " And that includes, "Do you want me to walk with you? " We sometimes find that to be the path of least resistance. We can't wait to meet you! So I was not near the area when the sit-in happened. It was one of their leadership convenings, so I already had an idea of how nasty they and their tactics are. If a patient declines an escort, absolutely we will respect that, and if they start walking on their own sometimes they will sort of realize that they're getting swarmed by people that aren't asking consent from them, and inevitably they will have gotten to a point in the sidewalk where there are more escorts, and those escorts will also check in and ask, "Do you want me to walk with you? Are there any particularly strong reactions from clients that stick out in your memory?
They create blockades. If anything it helps me practice de-escalation for myself because that's one of the skills that we have to practice outwardly. This interview has been edited for clarity and length. When clients are setting up appointments with the clinic, are they usually familiar with the number of protesters outside or is that something that they discover when they arrive at the clinic? Yeah, some people say no. Some people station themselves at a corner or at a parking lot.
Those are the best ways to support us. Empty your top and bottom pockets of all small items, then put everything into the tray provided. So we do our best to not engage during that amount of time, and we make sure that we are holding space in such a way that clients will be able to see us and let them know, "Hey, I'm a volunteer, there's other people that are in orange vests that are happy to walk with you. Here are a few quick tips to make it through security a little quicker: Put valuables like jewelry and keys in the pockets of your jacket before you put your jacket through the X-ray – then you can redress at your gate instead on the other side of the checkpoint. So when we got to the clinic, I noticed that there were about 50 people crowded on the door area.
There are people that are much, much bigger than me that use their bodies and that can be really scary. They see our clinic as low-hanging fruit in their mission to create a state with no clinics. Containers; 1 quart-sized, clear, zip-top bag taken out of carry-on luggage and placed in bin; 1 per passenger. The National Abortion Federation and Feminist Majority Foundation have been engaged for a long time helping support security at the clinic. We're doing a little bit more intensive points of unity and practice reinforcement than usual. It's all about asking consent, providing options, letting the client make the decision that feels best for them. Can you talk about your experiences with the protesters from Operation Save America and your plans next week? The protesters are aware that Gov. Beginning this weekend, the anti-abortion group Operation Save America will descend on Louisville, Kentucky, in an attempt to shut down the last abortion clinic in the state, EMW Women's Surgical Center. So, fear, on occasion, but that's not the prominent feeling that I have.
Always follow the security member's instructions. We get messages from people either asking questions before they accompany someone in or thanking us for being there. We had gotten the signal that the doors were open. So we start to arrive close to 7 a. m., sometimes a little bit earlier if we're expecting a big crowd. So for allies who want to help, is donating the most helpful thing they can do? Our website has a page called "points of unity. " We have to practice de-escalation, so it starts with me. There have been new regulations on abortion access in addition to the closing of the satellite clinics that EMW had open until this past January in Lexington, at which point the Louisville clinic became the only one in the state. We have clients that run their mouths to the protesters the entire time, which is their right as well. I sometimes feel intimidated. We always ask for consent from our clients every time. Abortion protesters have the First Amendment right to protest outside a clinic on public property, but they do not have the right to interfere with anyone's access to the clinic.
Can you walk me through what a typical day would look like for an escort? The ACLU caught up with Meg Stern, one of the Louisville Clinic Escorts, earlier this week to talk about her work. So the day in the spring when the protesters were arrested, can you talk about what you remember from that? Some people do find our blog or our Facebook page.