Planned Parenthood of Greater New York Responds to Conviction Of Clinic Protestor For Violating The Freedom Of Access To Clinic Entrances Act Outside Manhattan Health Center

Yesterday’s decision sends a strong message to the anti-abortion extremists who use physical force to threaten our staff, bully our volunteers, and demoralize our patients – everyone deserves dignified access to sexual and reproductive health care free of fear and intimidation. The vitriol of hate outside our Manhattan Health Center is a clear and present threat to reproductive rights, to our patient's safety and wellbeing, and presents harm to our dedicated and caring staff and volunteers.  

No one should ever face bullying or violence when accessing their health care, and depriving individuals of their right to a medical visit is an assault on bodily autonomy. Despite continuous threats from protesters, our clinical team has remained committed to delivering care with compassion. We are also proud to have a team of volunteer escorts who, even in the face of anti-abortion protests, stand on the front lines of our health centers to safely usher patients through the doors. We are grateful to Damian Williams, United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and all partners in our state working diligently to protect and expand access to health care. Together, we’re building a New York of reproductive freedom for all.