National Day of Appreciation for Abortion Providers

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You might think it’s weird to have a day dedicated to saying thanks to certain types of doctors. I’m not sure if there’s a Thank Neurosurgeons Day, or even a Thank Your Pediatrician Day; both, of course, would warrant plenty of celebration, especially from my family.

But there’s something really courageous about being an abortion provider. How many of us can say that we go to work every day faced with death threats, harassment, protestors, and angry mobs? How many of us can say that, while what we do isn’t popular—and is even considered unspeakable in many circles—it’s certainly life-saving, family-saving, and vitally important?

Let’s just take a moment today and remember the brave doctors whose lives were lost due to the anti-abortion terrorists who chose death over life, who murdered these doctors in cold blood, and send a prayer (or positive energy, or whatever form of connection you like) for those who continue to practice, each and every day, despite the risks.

We can also all send a quick note of thanks to abortion providers and clinics all across the country for the work they do to support women and families across the country every day. Not only do these people save lives from death—as pregnancy remains the number one cause of death for females around the globe—but they also provide much-needed contraception, family planning services, and often other services as well. Please send a note here to tell them thank you; every voice’s support means a lot to these people who encounter opposition on a daily basis.

Here are some other ways you might want to celebrate the day:

Call your local Planned Parenthood, NARAL, or clinic and ask about volunteering. Phone bankers, clinic escorts, canvassers and many other positions are always needed! Consider making a donation if you can.

Make sure everyone you know practices safe sex and knows how to get cheap or free contraceptives. Be the place they go to get free condoms if you can! Send them out in greeting cards, even for minor holidays. (How fun would it be to get condoms in the mail for Guy Fawkes Day?)

Light a candle for the abortion providers in America—as well as international providers—and send some positive thoughts their way. Do the same for all women faced with health emergencies, unintended pregnancies, and life-threatening situations; may they all be able to make their own choices about their bodies and be safe.

Celebrate Washington, DC’s decision to hand out free female condoms by petitioning your local government to do the same.