THIS CLINIC STAYS OPEN

Post date: Aug 9, 2011 1:57:03 AM

Bonni Axler

VP Pasco NOW Action

In case you haven't heard, Orlando was under siege for over a week. This siege was by "Operation Save America" (Operation Rescue redone). It wasn't just the women’s health centers but also the U U church as well. The prior week, Doris & I attended an info meeting. It seemed Planned Parenthood did not need us to help escort since they had their own trained escorts, but there were other independent health centers that welcomed our support. This was headed by Carla a N.M. NOW member (formally Florida) and representing the Feminist Majority..

I had originally arranged to go for 1 day only and was accompanied by Jackie, a feminist @ USF & a NOW member. We met @ 4 am and on we went to the U U church in downtown Orlando where we would meet for instructions. It was there that I found out how bad it was.

We were assigned a health center and on we went to what I thought where we would be. The antis were already there holding signs, yelling praying for us(?) surrounding the building on all sides. You see the neighbors are not real happy the center is there so they allow them access. We joined a group of UCF students already there. Carla received a call that another center needed more help so we left & went @ 10 miles north. Just driving into there, the antis surrounded my car, yelling & shoving pamphlets at us. This was way more aggressive. We had to park offsite & walk and they were throwing pictures & yelling at us, but calmed down a little when the ARMED security guard came over. He as well as the other escorts were relieved to see us.

On a personal note, after a couple hours, it has hot sunny & I was out of water. I was told to go into the center so I did. The receptionist behind the bullet proof glass saw me & her face lit. Then she saw my empty water bottle and was more than happy to fill it. The restroom door was locked & required leaving a picture id for the key. When I went for my id, she just smiled & gave me the key. Leaving, I thanked her & she gave me a big THANK YOU.

When we were sent to the 3rd center, back near where we started. This was the worst. The antis were trying to go up to the clients to yell & pray. They were not really in control, some trespassing & yelling in the closed window and again calling us names. One guy in particular kept following me, taking my picture constantly so I started taking his & recording with my phone (These have been forwarded on). As time & days went by, they would get worse, bolder, violent and carrying items like knives.

I knew I needed to come back if I possibly could. After a couple calls & emails to people @ work, I came back the next day to do it all over again but this time by myself. Not bad for an ugly whore who was a baby killer!! (per them anyway)

The people who staff these health centers are the heroes of our time. No doubt in my mind.