Pensacola was one of Sidewalk Advocates for Life’s first locations, launched in 2014. The Sidewalk Advocates at this site struggled to reach abortion-vulnerable women headed into “American Family Planning” – a small metal building guarded by security. The obstacles only increased with the arrival of hostile, pro-abortion protesters playing loud music full of profanity, as well as aggressive, pro-life protesters who did not share SAFL’s commitment to peaceful and loving dialogue.
Despite these challenges, the Sidewalk Advocates in Pensacola were able to help 161 moms turn away from abortion – and hosted multiple baby showers to support their choice for LIFE! Former Program Leader Aine shared,
“This work was absolutely heartbreaking and exhausting, however, it was worth every minute of sacrifice.”
This abortion facility was not only victimizing preborn children, it was also endangering its clients. In just two years, state inspectors found over 60 pages of healthcare violations. The Sidewalk Advocates personally observed ambulances arriving, clients needing help to walk short distances to their cars, and women who were sent to wait in their vehicles between procedures for many hours, sometimes until midnight.
In 2021, the local SAFL team began working with Reprotection, an organization that helps hold the abortion industry legally accountable. After the initial reports of health violations, the circumstances at the abortion facility went from bad to worse when three clients were hospitalized and required major medical intervention to survive.
In 2022, the abortion facility’s license was suspended after the state determined the abortionist’s continued practice was an “immediate, serious danger to the health, welfare, and safety of the public.” Finally, in January of this year, the facility permanently closed. Thanks be to God! The Pensacola Sidewalk Advocates learned of the closure just days after the local Walk for Life. Aine described her team’s reaction:
“We were absolutely overjoyed that justice was finally served and the clinic that took the lives of so many babies and nearly the lives of at least 3 women is finally unable to harm anyone else.”
This amazing story of perseverance and partnership is a beautiful example of a community coming together to not only save lives, but end abortion in their city!
With your help, we can provide the training, tools, and support for more communities, like Pensacola, to help moms, save babies and end abortion! You can make a double-impact gift through March 28 at sidewalkadvocates.org/donate. Thank you!
Featured image credit: weartv.com