Repro Roundup: Anti-choice groups storm D.C. abortion clinics, receive no news attention

Welcome to my column, The Repro Roundup, in which I summarize abortion news happening around the country, why it matters, and what you can do about it — in 250 words or less.

What’s the issue? On October 22nd, an anti-abortion terrorist organization stormed two abortion clinics in D.C.: Washington Surgi-Clinic and Capital Women’s Services. Antis call this tactic a “rescue operation” and their sole intent is to cause destruction and mayhem in order to prevent patients from receiving their desired abortion care and prevent doctors from giving it. Despite the fact that this is a Federal crime in violation of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act of 1994, only some of the terrorists were arrested at the first clinic and the remaining terrorists were then able to trespass and the second clinic and prevent abortion care from happening. The violence received no press coverage.

Why does this matter? Anti-abortion violence exists on a spectrum. When the lowest forms of violence are allowed to continue, they become normalized, which opens the door for more extreme acts of violence to continue. When antis are allowed to protest and yell at clinic staff and patients outside without consequence and when their tactics fail to stop abortion, they escalate. In this case, they stormed into a clinic, chained themselves to each other and to furniture, went limp, chanted and yelled, and refused to leave until police dragged them out. but abortion care will continue. they received no negative press for their violence. They will escalate. Just a few weeks ago, a man was charged for lighting a Planned Parenthood on fire in Florida, a place of many “rescues” like these. Just a few years ago, a man open-fired on a Planned Parenthood in Colorado, and he killed three people and injured nine.

What action can I take?

• Read the full Facebook post by We Engage that talks about ALL of the anti-abortion events that happened on Thursday. Then, follow them everywhere.
• Subscribe to my 7-week email series, Repro 101, that covers topics like clinic violence, FACE Act, and opposition to abortion
• Clinic escort in D.C. with the Washington Area Clinic Defense Task Force (WACDTF)*
• Volunteer doing practical support (give rides, housing, companionship) for abortion patients in the D.C. area with the DC/Virginia/Maryland Abortion Practical Support Network (DAPSN)*
• Donate to the DC Abortion Fund*

*This is an organization that I either volunteer with or am a part of the decision-making body, for full transparency. I make no money from these orgs and can confirm they’re awesome.

• Subscribe to The Repro Queen of DC, my monthly newsletter on abortion access, activism, and writing on the frontlines of DC.
• Subscribe to Repro 101, a seven-week educational email series about all things repro. Topics include the basics of funding abortion, clinic escorting, anti-choice violence, and more.
• Read more of my work, browse the services I offer, and more.
• Follow me on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook or get in touch.