responsible engagement

For years, the Pink House Defenders pushed back against the anti-abortion terrorists’ lies and attempts at intimidation of the patients and providers at Jackson Women’s Health Organization. We learned a lot from interacting daily with people who don’t value or respect other’s lives and beliefs.

And years ago when we started, engagements with antis was" frowned upon", but times have changed and we see lots of engagement now at clinics and otherwise.

We Engage supports RESPONSIBLE engagement with antis. Pushing back MATTERS, but staying safe and prioritizing patients matters more.

Here are some tips if you are a clinic escort or if you come across anti-abortion protesters, or if you go to a place to counterprotest them.

please DO…

Stay away from clinic spaces unless you have contacted the clinic or escort/defender team to coordinate, get approval for your presence. The clinic space is already overcrowded (thanks, antis), and more people aren’t always welcome.

If you are in the clinic space, ALWAYS PUT THE PATIENTS’ COMFORT, SAFETY, AND WELLBEING FIRST. ALWAYS.

Listen to the guidance of the clinic defenders or the provider.

Keep your cool when interacting with anti-abortion protesters. If you can’t keep your cool, WALK AWAY.

When interacting with antis, stay in control of your conversations, answer a question with a question, etc.

Discuss religion and the Bible ONLY IF YOU ARE EXTREMELY WELL VERSED. Antis do this all day, everyday.

Keep your distance from protesters – six feet is preferable.

Stay on sidewalks, or in designated areas.

Use noise makers when and where appropriate.

Use profanity wisely. Media may be present.

Video your interactions with antis, others – especially if something happens.

Please don’t…

Go to clinics to counterprotest without contacting the clinic.

Yell and scream in antis’ faces. Antis LOVE that; they will film you and fundraise off of it.

Do anything that will get you arrested, like assaulting or touching protesters, stealing any protester’s sign, or trespassing on private property.

Walk into large groups of antis alone, always pair up.

Take on more than you can handle. Ask questions and get info from more experienced activists.

Do anything you don’t want to see on YouTube. You may be filmed while on the public sidewalks and spaces - by the antis and the media.