I am an abortion provider-in-training. I look forward to being able to offer such a vital service to my future patients. I have been continually inspired by the clinicians and staff members who have taught me how to provide abortions, and, more importantly, how to be an abortion provider. This is an important distinction. Providing abortions really isn’t technically complicated from a medical perspective. Being an abortion provider, however, is a life-long commitment to believing in women, respecting their choices, and being a strong voice for justice, even when it may be unpopular or even unsafe. Dr. Tiller truly exemplified what it means to be an abortion provider. He will undoubtedly remain an important role model for all of us in the pro-choice community.
Being an abortion provider is a privilege. You are given the opportunity to take part in a woman’s journey as she reclaims her body and her future. Regardless of her circumstances, the process is always one of great emotional intensity – sadness, relief, forgiveness, hope, love. The most meaningful experiences of my medical training have all taken place within an abortion clinic.
There is truly nothing more beautiful or more real than what happens within the clinic walls. There is an incredible moment during every procedure when the woman’s nervousness and anxiety fades into a state of calmness. You can see the precise moment on her face, in her eyes. The entire atmosphere of the room changes. This is the moment when she realizes her own strength and resiliency. This is when she reclaims her body, her sense of self, and her future. And while there is often still sadness, it is a different kind of sadness, a sadness not defined by helplessness and despair. There is so much emotion within the short span of a few minutes that it is almost overwhelming. You, too, become transformed.
People often ask me how could I possibly want to provide abortions as a career. My answer, how could I possibly not.
I am Dr. Tiller.
