Monday, November 3, 2008

Tomorrow Is Another Day

Well, it’s over — for them at least.

The 40-days vigils have come to an end. Across the nation, these vigils sprung up at our health centers, disrupting basic women’s health care. And at each of those health centers, Planned Parenthood staff came to work every day. Our clients still came in for health care. We continued to do the important work we do, regardless of the opposition.

These vigils are a symbolic event, full of hype and hyperbole. But even symbolic events can be a barrier. Nothing should stand in the way of women, men, and teens accessing safe and legal health care. And especially in the midst of a growing health care crisis, it’s appalling for people to make it harder to access affordable care. Planned Parenthood health centers are a key part of the health care safety net in this country. Who benefits when you stand in the way of that?

But today, I’m not concerned about our protesters — I’m concerned with November 4. We are on the eve of one of the most important elections in my lifetime. Tomorrow, I will vote — I urge you to do the same.

And while the 40 days have ended, today, tomorrow, and every day to follow, our work goes on.

I am a volunteer.

I am an escort.

I am a health center manager.

I am a physician’s assistant.

I am a doctor.

I am a minister.

I am a woman.

I am a teenager.

I am Planned Parenthood.

You are Planned Parenthood, too.

If you want to be part of the Planned Parenthood family, please join us: http://www.plannedparenthood.org.