An open letter to abortion clinic clients

Dear ladies walking into abortion clinics,

As you walk in this morning, I just want you to know that we care about you, and that we’re here for you. Yes, us people on the sidewalk. We want you to know that you’re not alone. I can’t speak for the people who are yelling at you. That’s not what I believe in. But for those of us who are here to offer you information on local resources and spend our time talking with you? We care about you.

We care about your health, and don’t want you to be hurt by abortion. We just want to hear you out as you share your struggles. We know of local places that will give you the help you need. They will see you through your pregnancy and help you get back on your feet. For free. There is virtually no situation we cannot help you through.

I know that often times you’re told to ignore us when you arrange your appointment. That’s why you zoom into the parking lot trying to avoid our information. You park as far away from us as possible, but that didn’t stop me from catching your eye as you drove in.

There was a lot of pain in your eyes, my sister, and it hurt to know I couldn’t do anything to help carry the burden of your circumstances with you. That’s why I’m here after all. So many of the people I’ve seen walk in are not here because they want to be here. It’s a cold place that has hurt countless people, and I don’t want you to get hurt. That’s why I’m here for you: because I care. And I know you are a capable, beautiful woman with so much potential. You were made to do something great with your life, to be a friend nobody else can be. We respect that you’re going through something right now that is hard, and we’re here to carry that burden with you and guide you to local resources.

Anyone who gets up early in the morning just for the possibility of talking with you is here because they care. We’re not here on the sidewalk because we want to condemn you. There are certainly people who do that. But us sidewalk counselors? That is not what we are here for. We are here to love you through your struggles. We are here with resources, our ears to listen, and even a flower. Because everyone is deserving of the small gesture a flower is.

I want you to know that we can help you with whatever is going on. It is not okay if you are being pressured into this by anyone, so know that you can get up and leave. Abortion hurts women, and I believe you deserve better. You do not have to be here today. You can make a different decision. You have time to think about this and become informed on the resources available to you.

Just know we’re out here. We’re standing here for you, be it 100 degrees or negative 15. Because you’re worth it, every single day. You are worth fighting for.

We care about you, even if the only contact we’ve ever had was the split second our eyes met as you drove in. And no matter what happens inside this place today, we are here to love you through whatever is going on. Will you give us the honor of being part of your life this morning? Because we’re honored to be part of yours. When you stop to talk with us, we see your strength and are honored to be able to offer you the resources to become more fully the woman you were made to be.

So today? Dare to go against what society tells you and how the clinic workers told you to ignore us. Dare to be the author of your own story, and come let us show you the possibilities. We’ll be right here waiting for you on the sidewalk with open arms, waiting for the opportunity to love you.