Dear John,

Today is #GivingTuesdayNow, and nonprofits everywhere are asking our supporters to pitch in and help us with the important work we are doing. We need you to join us in protecting independent abortion clinics, who provide nearly 60% of abortions nationwide.

States all over the country have used the COVID-19 pandemic as an excuse to restrict abortion access--putting clinics whose resources are already stretched to the limit at risk.

Anti-abortion extremists have ramped up their disgusting, frightening, and sickening tactics against targeted clinics in the key cities of Milwaukee, Detroit, Jacksonville, Huntsville, Indianapolis, Charlotte, Raleigh and Greensboro.

MAKING MATTERS WORSE…anti-abortion extremists are unleashing the unthinkable: In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic some of these zealots have resorted to the despicable tactic of fake coughing on women entering the clinics. This must be stopped.

That is why I’m asking you to make a tax-deductible donation for whatever you can. All funds raised will go directly to targeted clinics that urgently need to beef up security.

Here are the most urgent needs for immediate additional security:

Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Affiliated Medical Services clinic has faced extreme harassment. One of the largest providers in the state, the clinic suspended their volunteer clinic escort program following the governor’s stay-at-home orders, and has requested assistance with hiring security guards for the next 6-8 weeks. An extremist associated with the Army of God harassed employees while standing just inches from the main clinic door.

We estimate costs will run between $7,000-$8,000.

Indianapolis, Indiana. Clinic for Women, which serves patients from throughout Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio, has had to hire security and additional staff to help manage and screen patients in order to ensure the safety of staff and patients. 

The Clinic for Women estimates additional costs will run $5,500.

North Carolina. A Woman’s Choice Clinics in Raleigh, Charlotte, and Greensboro have requested help feeding staff who are on extended work schedules. These clinics are under siege by virulent demonstrators who continue to urge hundreds of their followers to target clinics. Recently, police arrested protesters on two different days for violating state emergency orders and laws. 

Jacksonville, Florida. A Woman’s Choice Clinic in Jacksonville has also requested help with feeding staff who are working additional shifts.

The North Carolina and Florida emergency request combined totals $8,800.

Westland, Michigan. Northland Family Planning, a clinic in the Detroit suburb of Westland, is facing aggressive protesters. Members of this group of protestors were cited by police, but already these zealots have filed a lawsuit challenging these citations. With the escorts ceasing operations following the governor’s stay-at-home orders, the clinic is requesting emergency funds to pay for additional security guards.

Northland Family Planning needs $4,500 to cover additional security costs.

Huntsville, Alabama. Alabama Women's Center continues to have disruptive protesters target their patients and clinic. This critical facility has had to hire additional staff to help screen and direct patients and secure their entrance.This clinic needs our help.

The Alabama Women's Center needs $4,700.

WE'RE COUNTING ON YOU TO HELP THESE CLINICS

We’re two-thirds of the way to our goal of raising $31,500 to meet this emergency. We can’t let these clinics down. We can do it.

Everything you give is tax-deductible and will go directly to these vital clinics for security and emergency protection. We are doing everything we can to help these clinics stay open and keep abortion accessible. I know we can count on you.

For Women's Lives,

Eleanor Smeal President, Feminist Majority Foundation

P.S. Please make a tax-deductible donation for whatever amount you can. Clinics need your help!