We Can’t Let Anti-Abortion Extremists Block Abortion Access in Oklahoma City

 

Oklahoma City is the largest metropolitan area in the country currently without an abortion provider. A clinic has not opened there since 1974. Now, Trust Women South Wind Women’s Center is courageously trying to open a first-rate women’s clinic to fill the void—and facing harassment and red tape as a result.

This vitally needed women’s clinic hasn’t opened its doors yet, but anti-abortion extremists are already harassing and intimidating the building contractors. They’re trespassing on the clinic premises to videotape the workers. They’re also calling the contractors’ churches to further harass and intimidate them. And on top of the harassment, Trust Women South Wind is being confronted with state bureaucratic red tape and archaic TRAP laws, needlessly adding burdensome costs.

The women of Oklahoma City deserve a comprehensive women’s healthcare clinic. Healthcare should not be threatened because of political motives or extremist intimidation. Abortion is a constitutional right and cannot be denied because of where a woman lives or how much money she makes.

The courage and commitment of dedicated South Wind clinic staff is inspiring to us all. That’s why we at the Feminist Majority Foundation are coming together to raise $17,000 for Trust Women South Wind’s security needs. 100% of the funds raised will go directly to protecting Trust Women South Wind doctors, staff, contractors and patients.

Without clinics there is no choice. We cannot let extremists harass, stalk and terrorize abortion providers. Trust Women South Wind’s clinic in Oklahoma City cannot wait—and neither can the patients who will soon rely on it for vital reproductive healthcare. 

 

About

duVergne Gaines is the Director of the Feminist Majority Foundation's National Clinic Access Project. Previously, she co-directed Rock for Choice for seven years. Gaines graduated with honors and a J.D. from Loyola Law School, where she was a member of the prestigious Entertainment Law Review.