A Love Letter to Abortion Providers: We Appreciate You—Today and Every Day

Dr. Lisa Hofler (right), the clinical vice chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of New Mexico, with her team at the Center for Reproductive Health on June 21, 2022 in Albuquerque, N.M. The clinic has seen an influx of patients seeking abortions from neighboring states since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

In honor of Abortion Provider Appreciation Day, March 10, Abortion Care Network has authored a love letter to abortion providers. The letter was signed by 112 abortion rights organizations wishing to express their deep gratitude for abortion providers, who have worked to make abortion and reproductive healthcare access a reality for people across the country despite unending obstacles.

On the first Abortion Provider Appreciation Day since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, it is more important than ever to honor the heroic efforts of abortion providers fighting to give agency and autonomy to people in their communities. 

A Love Letter to Our Rockstars: Abortion Providers, We Appreciate You, Today and Every Day

Even when faced with what feels like insurmountable challenges … abortion providers are dedicated to ensuring abortion and reproductive health care remains available and accessible.

Abortion providers show up every day to provide compassionate care based in trust and respect; they have done this for generations and will continue for many more. They are our family, friends and neighbors; they are clinicians, counselors, administrators and advocates; they are people who have had abortions, experienced pregnancy loss and who are parenting. And whether you need a routine exam, you’re facing a crisis, or you need a non-judgmental conversation about your options, abortion providers offer support and care in big and small moments. 

The overturning of Roe v. Wade radically changed the landscape of abortion care in the United States. Abortion providers met this moment—amidst a global pandemic—and continued to serve their communities with dignity, love and resolve. Independent abortion clinics have been especially steadfast in their efforts to remain present in their communities or put down roots in new places. 

Thirty years ago today, Dr. David Gunn, a physician who dedicated his life to providing abortion care, was murdered by a white supremacist anti-abortion extremist. As we commemorate Dr. Gunn’s life on Abortion Provider Appreciation Day, we are reminded that even when faced with what feels like insurmountable challenges, consistent attacks on their work, and threats to their personal safety, abortion providers are dedicated to ensuring abortion and reproductive health care remains available and accessible. 

Abortion providers continue to trust us to write our own futures. They continue to advocate for us and find innovative ways to support their communities. They deserve a standing ovation and all of our support.  

Providers, you are our frontline heroes, our fiercest champions, and the rock stars who give people the support to shape the lives they dream of. 

This Abortion Provider Appreciation Day, we thank you, we celebrate you, and we proudly declare our love to those who show us what it looks like to put trust, love and a belief in a liberated future into practice.

Head here for a full list of signatories.

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About and

Erin Grant is the deputy director of Abortion Care Network and a seasoned reproductive justice advocate.
Nikki Madsen is the executive director of Abortion Care Network (ACN).