Without Abortion Providers, There is NO Choice!

When was the last time you really thought about what an abortion provider endures on a daily basis to give you freedom of choice? Are you aware that the number of providers has been shrinking since 1982 (down by 37%)? The fact is that even though abortion is legal, if there are no providers, it doesn’t matter.

March 10, 2008 marks the 12th anniversary of National Abortion Providers Appreciation Day, and sadly, the 15th anniversary of the murder of Dr. David Gunn, a brave abortion provider that was assassinated outside his clinic in Pensacola, FL on March 10, 1993. Dr. Gunn was only 47 years old, and was shot in the back by a religious anti-abortion extremist as he got out of his car. He was the first provider to be murdered.

The anniversary of his death is observed by many organizations nationwide as a day to remember and honor Dr. Gunn and the brave people that provide women with choices when facing an unplanned pregnancy. These doctors risk harassment, violence and even death to provide safe, legal abortions for women. Their numbers are dwindling — many provide services for women in multiple cities and even cross state lines to ensure access to abortion.

This lack of access is the most disturbing fact about abortion today. Eighty-seven percent of the counties in the United States have no abortion provider. And, even though their numbers have declined significantly over the last 20 years, abortion remains one of the most common surgeries in the U.S. This leaves women seeking those services little choice. Many must travel long distances — even to other states — to obtain an abortion.

One of the most significant reasons for our provider “crisis” has been a change in the availability of training. Changes to federal law made it possible for medical schools to “opt out” of this critical training for OB/GYN students. The AMA did respond, but the battle has been up hill. To learn more about this trend, check out this article from JAMA.

Despite these trends in lack of services, there is hope. Medical Students for Choice was formed in 1993 in response to the shortage. They hold the key to increasing the number of providers with a membership of 7,000 strong and growing.

So on this National Abortion Providers Appreciation Day, take time to say THANK YOU! to these brave people that risk so much to provide women with choice — freedom — autonomy. Thank you abortion providers for ALL you do!