Clinic escort

Volunteers who assist patients accessing clinics

Clinic escorts are volunteers who assist patients in accessing healthcare facilities, particularly those that provide reproductive health services such as abortion clinics. Their primary role is to ensure that patients can enter the clinic safely and with dignity, often in the face of protests or harassment from anti-abortion demonstrators.

Role and Responsibilities

Clinic escorts are trained to provide a calm and supportive presence for patients who may be experiencing stress or anxiety due to the presence of protesters. They do not engage with protesters but focus on the needs of the patients, offering guidance and reassurance as they navigate their way to the clinic entrance.

A clinic escort outside the Planned Parenthood - Carol Whitehill Moses Center

Training

Volunteers undergo training to prepare them for the various situations they might encounter. This training includes learning about the legal rights of patients and protesters, effective communication techniques, and strategies for de-escalating potentially tense situations. Escorts are also educated on the specific policies and procedures of the clinic they are serving.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Clinic escorts must be aware of the legal boundaries within which they operate. They are trained to respect the rights of protesters while ensuring that they do not obstruct patients' access to healthcare. Ethical considerations include maintaining patient confidentiality and providing non-judgmental support.

Challenges Faced by Clinic Escorts

Clinic escorts often face challenging environments, including verbal harassment and intimidation from protesters. Despite these challenges, they remain committed to their role in supporting patients. The presence of escorts can significantly reduce the stress and fear experienced by patients as they approach the clinic.

Impact on Patients

The presence of clinic escorts can have a profound impact on patients, providing them with a sense of security and support. Escorts help to create a more welcoming and less intimidating environment, which can be crucial for patients who are already dealing with difficult personal decisions.

Related Pages

• Abortion in the United States
• Reproductive rights
• Protest
• Planned Parenthood