Why I Provide Abortions

March 10 is the National Day of Appreciation for Abortion Providers. 

Abortion providers are heroes — the staff and volunteers who make abortions possible are essential to the health and well being of patients across the country. Even in the face of unrelenting political attacks, Planned Parenthood’s supportive and expert staff of doctors, advanced practice clinicians, nurses, and other health center staff provide patients with safe and legal abortion every day.

Here, in the words of just a few of our abortion provider heroes, we learn why abortion access is so essential:

"My patients are thoughtful, considerate, and loving people making the best decisions for themselves. As a physician, it is such a rewarding experience and an honor to be there for people in their time of need — to understand their considerations, support their choices, and help them live the life that they know is best for them, their families, and their communities. This work is heavy due to politicization, disinformation, and domestic terrorism. But when I’m sitting in front of another human being who is telling me what they need, my ethical and moral obligation as a physician to help them is crystal clear." — Dr. Bhavik Kumar, Texas

“Abortion is really an individual thing, and right now I think what’s gotten lost in this national conversation ... is that personal experience. When patients tell me how grateful they are, it reminds me that my work is meaningful  to someone on that individual level. Those are the moments that remind me why we do what we do.” — Dr. Joshua Yap, Oklahoma

“I’ve seen firsthand how important this care is to a patient’s autonomy over their own body … I’m actually honored to be able to care for you.” — Dr. Meera Shah, Indiana

“I became an abortion provider for a few reasons. But the main one is that I do not think it is right or okay for people to tell other people what to do with their lives and bodies and families. I was a [so-called] tomboy. People were always telling me what to do with my hair and how to act. I’m a queer person so I’ve had a lot of backlash because of that as a grownup … It means a lot to me to be able to help people live the lives that they want to live.” — Dr. Iman Alsaden, Missouri

“Throughout my 15 years as an ob-gyn and abortion provider in Colorado, my top priority has always been providing high-quality, compassionate care to my patients, without stigma or shame … Patients need to know that they shouldn’t be afraid to seek care.” — Dr. Kristina Tocce, Colorado

 Send a message of thanks to abortion providers and staff.