My name is Ruth Arick and I have been working in and with abortion clinics for nearly 35 years. I started in family planning clinics in Pennsylvania in the mid 70’s, was the Director of abortion clinics in Florida through the 80’s and have been consulting and training in abortion clinics around the United States since 1990. Shortly after walking in to my first clinic I knew that this was my life’s work…the work of my life.
In these many years I have worked with thousands of women seeking abortion care, even more of their loved ones, hundreds of men and women who lovingly staff the clinics, countless supportive people outside the clinics, scores of interested media folks, politicians, health care organizations, and political advocacy groups. The experiences I’ve had with every group have enriched my life in ways I could never have imagined when I began this work.
During my long career in abortion care I have had the good fortune to hear countless women’s stories; counsel women about their abortion decisions; be with loved ones during their time in a clinic; and be at the side of thousands of women as they went through an abortion procedure. I have learned so much about love, sacrifice, hope, joy, and strength from these many experiences. I am so fortunate, so blessed to have found this work so many years ago.
As a consultant I’ve been in more than 200 abortion facilities across the country; providing training and management services. I get to meet the staff and physicians who care deeply for the women in their practice. I get to meet patients in these clinics, to sit with these women and their families just as I did in my own clinics years ago. I get to share stories with staff, patients, and their support people. I still get to be a part of people’s abortion experience. Participating in such a profound event with anyone – especially a stranger – is one of the greatest gifts of this extraordinary work.
About my photo – I decided not to cover my face because I am personally convinced that the wrong people have told our stories for too many years. We are the only people who know the true value of our work, know our hearts, and know the hearts and stories of the women we care for. I believe it is time we speak for ourselves, show ourselves to be good citizens of our communities, good neighbors, good healthcare providers…good people. It’s time the world gets to know us for who we really are.
I am Dr. Tiller.
