During the 40 Days of Harassment (September 23 - November 1, 2009) protesters will attempt to keep women from coming to Planned Parenthood.
You can help women get health care without harassment by becoming a volunteer escort. Our volunteers provide a smiling face to welcome our clients in the parking lot and escort them past the protesters into our health center. Escort training will be held in September. RSVP is required. Send your name, email and phone number to pphset@pphouston.org.
IF YOU PLAN TO VISIT OUR HEALTH CENTER, here is some information and tips about protesters
Q: Why are there protesters outside Planned Parenthood?
A: These protesters don’t believe in birth control, sex education or a woman’s right to information about all of her options when she is pregnant. The protesters don’t want clients coming to Planned Parenthood. Their goal is to shut down Planned Parenthood. Some protesters are loud and yell at clients and others stand quietly and hold signs. They all try to intimidate or mislead our clients. Don’t worry. Planned Parenthood has volunteer escorts to help you get into our clinic safely.
Q: How do I avoid the protesters?
A: Have someone drop you off near our front door. At the Fannin location we have a driveway. Bryan and Lufkin clinics have fenced parking lots and protesters can’t walk into the lots. We also have volunteers at some of our locations that will escort you into our clinics. The volunteers wear bright lime green vests that say “Planned Parenthood Volunteer.” You can wait until one of them meets you to escort you past the protesters.
Q: Can the protesters come near me or touch me?
A: They can NOT touch you. If they do, it can be considered assault. Protesters can get near you and may try to hand things to you. You don’t have to take their materials. They may ask questions and say mean and offensive things to you. For your safety, try to ignore them. Don’t talk to them or interact with them.
Q: Can they block my car or keep me from getting into the clinic?
A: No. It is against the law for a protester to block you from entering a clinic.
Q: Can you make the protesters leave?
A: As long as they stay off of Planned Parenthood’s private property they have a right to assemble and free speech. They cannot touch you or follow you into our parking lot or health center driveway. We believe in their Constitutional right to free speech, but we also believe that women and men have a right to get their health care without harassment.
Q: Can I talk to them?
A: It is your decision, but for your safety (and others) we strongly discourage you from engaging in arguments or discussion with the protesters.
We’d like to hear from you. Tell us what you think about having to walk through the protesters. The stories you share with us may be used in future Planned Parenthood publications, but will remain completely anonymous. Any and all references to personal information (such as names, dates or specific situations) will be removed. Email us at pphset@pphouston.org.
