Conservatives wage war on women’s health care

The shocking victory by the Taliban in Afghanistan shows how horrific a war on women can be. Compared to theirs, the war conservatives are waging on American women pales in comparison, but The Gazette still is right to describe it as a “war.” Ours is less terrible.

I volunteer time as an escort at Emma Goldman Clinic, which provides women’s health services, including abortion. My duties are simple: focus on the clients, give them the choice of being escorted, and ensure their safe access to the clinic. The anti-abortion protesters may not be armed, and feign concern by shouting, “We can help you” at the clients, but they intimidate the clients, which is abhorrent.

Yes, the antis have a constitutionally-protected “right” to picket a women’s clinic and shout at the clients, but they have no business being there. They show zero respect for the clients, and obviously would shut down the clinic if they had the power. The clients come from counties throughout Eastern Iowa; many, perhaps most, are women of color.

One mother told me about her daughter, who has high blood pressure and nearly died delivering her last child. I can see the fear in many of those women’s eyes: causing such fear is an act of guerrilla war.

The clinic can use more volunteer escorts. Or, readers can join the young people who demonstrate in favor of women’ reproductive rights. Make no mistake: the war on women is here.

Jeff Klinzman

Coralville