Katie Klabusich

Host

Clinic Stories: Crowd-Funding Access

Jul 10, 2014·2,072 visitors

Robin Marty

Cohost

Stage· 250 messages

Jul 10, 2014

The ground under our nation's reproductive healthcare clinics is constantly shifting. Tracking the patchwork of laws/access is a full time job - one Robin Marty is up for! Her project "Clinic Stories" gives YOU the chance to be a reporting partner in this uber important work. Join us to talk about why she's doing it, why it matters & how you can help! n(Check out Avital Nathman's interview with Robin: http://themamafesto.wordpress.com/2014/06/26/clinic-stories-an-interview-with-robin-marty/ )

Katie Klabusich · 12:30 AM

Hi, everyone! Thanks for coming to "Clinic Stories: Crowd-Funding Access” (new ProTip: there’s a mobile app: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/tawkers/id791417999?mt=8 )

Katie Klabusich · 12:30 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“hey Katie & Robin. :-)”

Katie Klabusich · 12:30 AM

★ Spotlighted from J Miller

“Hello all”

Katie Klabusich · 12:30 AM

Real quick, if you’re new to Tawkers, Robin and I will be chatting on the left. And if you’re signed in (it only takes two minutes to set up a profile!), you can add comments/questions on the right. Interrupt any time with questions!

Robin Marty · 12:30 AM

am I live? or is my wine talk being censored?

Katie Klabusich · 12:30 AM

Hahaha -- you're live!

Katie Klabusich · 12:31 AM

No censoring here -- FCC-free zone.

Robin Marty · 12:31 AM

I should have known that one would make it

Katie Klabusich · 12:31 AM

Also, definitely use the “arrow” icons to share comments on social media so people you know will be into the discussion can join.

Katie Klabusich · 12:31 AM

Before we start, my tawks are a safe space. Ask questions, share — but no abusive language will be tolerated. If you need to mute someone, click the “ … “ under the thumbs in their comment or click on their profile.

Katie Klabusich · 12:31 AM

(the abortion things do get trolled, sorry in advance)

Katie Klabusich · 12:31 AM

With the disclaimers out of the way, let’s start "Clinic Stories: Crowd-Funding Access!” Thanks for joining me again, Robin!

Robin Marty · 12:32 AM

always my favorite live chat. always :)

Katie Klabusich · 12:32 AM

Robin is a badass, on the ground reproductive rights reporter somehow managing to track legislation, clinic closures and anti-choice activity without tossing her computer out the window. So, first, THANK YOU!

Robin Marty · 12:32 AM

to be fair, this is not actually my first computer

Katie Klabusich · 12:32 AM

hahaha -- well played.

Katie Klabusich · 12:32 AM

Tell us a little about this new project and why it’s important.

Katie Klabusich · 12:33 AM

( You can find the link and more info/support the project here: https://rally.org/covers/hZN03FD8NcE )

Robin Marty · 12:33 AM

so, this new project is basically a longer, more researched, more indepth form of clinic profiles, with each story being a detailed look at one particular city or clinic

Robin Marty · 12:34 AM

what I've been learning through years of research is that for a lot of us born after the Roe decision, and especially those of us who weren't aware of the issues going on prior to the FACE act, we aren't very aware of stories of the clinics themselve

Robin Marty · 12:35 AM

It hit me at one point in 2012, when the news came out about Todd Akin being a former Rescue activist and how he still talks to his old companions

Katie Klabusich · 12:35 AM

(FACE is the federal protection of, basically, the doorways of clinics -- it keeps picketers from chaining themselves to entrances)

Katie Klabusich · 12:35 AM

★ Spotlighted from J Miller

“FACE Act https://www.prochoice.org/about_abortion/facts/face_act.html”

Robin Marty · 12:36 AM

How do we not know which politicians used to be anti abortion activists? How do we not know who was in jail with who? Why don't we know where everyone comes from?

Robin Marty · 12:36 AM

I researched the clinic that Akin was arrested repeatedly at, and learned that it had and continues to have a major role in abortion rights history

Katie Klabusich · 12:36 AM

Which clinic? In Missouri?

Robin Marty · 12:36 AM

it was the first clinic ever to be targeted by the Army of God -- the provider and his wife were kidnapped for 9 days

Robin Marty · 12:37 AM

It's actually in IL, but it's directly across the border from St Louis, so it was hit hard by activists in the mid 80s pre Operation Rescue

Katie Klabusich · 12:37 AM

So, obviously, not a few grandmas out "quietly counseling."

Robin Marty · 12:38 AM

this clinic was also the clinic that sued to keep parental notification blocked for the state of IL, something that was held up for over 20 years

Katie Klabusich · 12:38 AM

Word -- that's a good point. We think of politics and access to so many things in terms of state boarders. With clinics and care, it's often more regional than state borders.

Robin Marty · 12:38 AM

but more recently, it was the first to get an anti activist on a HIPAA violation for photographing and then chasing a patient to a hospital

Robin Marty · 12:39 AM

all of these different bits of stories I had heard, but didn't know it was all one clinic

Robin Marty · 12:40 AM

That was when I decided that a historical - post Roe profile of clinics, talking with them, their providers, old staff, current protesters, would pull it all together

Katie Klabusich · 12:40 AM

That's huge -- it's something escorts wish we could do more of. (HIPPA is super narrow, so that must have been a serious violation.)

Katie Klabusich · 12:40 AM

★ Spotlighted from Christine Salek

“I was gonna say, I can't believe that's all one clinic -- that's really fascinating.”

Robin Marty · 12:40 AM

My tag is "every clinic has a story" and frankly, they all do. Each of them has been fighting since they opened their doors

Katie Klabusich · 12:41 AM

I really learned that even people in the prochoice movement don't know much history during 40 Days For Life this year when you & I shared space on a ProLife Action League poster. We're so busy fighting current battles, no one is going back over the

Katie Klabusich · 12:41 AM

REALLY IMPORTANT history of clinics, access and anti-choice tact is.

Katie Klabusich · 12:41 AM

**tactis

Katie Klabusich · 12:41 AM

**tactics (thanks, autocorrect)

Robin Marty · 12:41 AM

But it's also not the sort of thing that you're going to be able to convince the main stream media to cover. So, I'm doing it myself :)

Katie Klabusich · 12:42 AM

Exactly. Without getting super inside baseball about it, why -- other than the word ABORTION -- will mainstream outlets not fund this reporting?

Robin Marty · 12:42 AM

and so much of the current battle is just recycled. Reading EJ Bader, Carole Joffe, you learn nothing today is new

Robin Marty · 12:42 AM

there's a number of reasons why these stories aren't MSM friendly

Katie Klabusich · 12:42 AM

★ Spotlighted from Malinda Frevert

“what's the most interesting thing you've learned since beginning to look into clinics' stories?”

Robin Marty · 12:42 AM

It's impossible to get them interested in the current clinic access crisis until it truly IS a crisis

Katie Klabusich · 12:43 AM

(Agreed -- everyone should get Robin's book w/co-author Jessica Mason Pieklo, Crow After Roe, btw: http://www.crowafterroe.com Great history, great read, so important)

Katie Klabusich · 12:43 AM

Ugh. Disaster journalism then?

Robin Marty · 12:43 AM

If I had a nickle for every editor who told me a story about a struggling clinic in AL or AR or LA isn't "national news" I could fund myself

Robin Marty · 12:44 AM

@malinda - I'm starting to notice that all things lead back to Operation Rescue and the mid 2000's

Katie Klabusich · 12:44 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“Coming from MSM background, yeah, the big picture is invisible and the details don't add up to nice, easy narratives for maximum clicks”

Katie Klabusich · 12:45 AM

Are people surprised that it's all orchestrated and connected?

Robin Marty · 12:45 AM

Disaster journalism is right. I learned that in Kentucky, when I found myself trying to justify how much anti harassment was necessary to make something "a story"

Katie Klabusich · 12:45 AM

For those who don't know, L'ville routinely gets 300+ picketers for Mother's Day, when Robin was there.

Robin Marty · 12:45 AM

Is 50 protesters enough? Does it have to be a hundred? Is chasing bad enough or do they actually have to block a door? What has to be on the posters? It was brutal

Katie Klabusich · 12:46 AM

I haven't heard of (Robin, correct me if I'm wrong) of a more heavily picketed clinic.

Robin Marty · 12:46 AM

@katie - currently, it has the largest numbers regularly. Others are getting that for special events, but not all the time

Katie Klabusich · 12:47 AM

★ Spotlighted from Benita Ulisano

“Hello”

Robin Marty · 12:47 AM

but then I go back and read "rescue" age stories and it was 300+ every day for a week. So is today that bad? and how awful is it that we are justifying any amount as "ok" for a person to face at a clinic?

Katie Klabusich · 12:47 AM

Hey, B! (that's my mentor, y'all. she's responsible for radicalizing me. ;) )

Katie Klabusich · 12:47 AM

★ Spotlighted from Heather Parker

“Bonsoir!”

Katie Klabusich · 12:47 AM

★ Spotlighted from J Miller

“Imagine the work the Lville Escorts have cut out for them”

Katie Klabusich · 12:48 AM

Right -- I say that a lot too. If one person is harassed, intimidated, threatened -- shouldn't that be enough??

Katie Klabusich · 12:48 AM

★ Spotlighted from Benita Ulisano

“Katie, you rock!!!! Glad to be here!! xoxo”

Robin Marty · 12:48 AM

the Louisville escorts are true heroes, and not just because of their work, but their adaptation to the antis and the patients

Katie Klabusich · 12:48 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“40 was nausea-inducing...300...I just can't”

Robin Marty · 12:49 AM

They haven't just escorted, but managed to find the ways that help the patients the most without terrifying them. Earlier attempts weren't as good, but instead of leaving they found new tactics

Katie Klabusich · 12:49 AM

For new folks, robin was saying she started this project because she realized the history of clinics is important to the movement & MSM's disaster journalism style makes it impossible to pitch these stories -- our stories -- to outlets.

Katie Klabusich · 12:49 AM

For people on twitter looking for tips with groups of antis, their handle is @LouClinicEscort

Robin Marty · 12:50 AM

there is another benefit to narrative journalism as opposed to quick hit "here's a list of the awful things" and that's that it can potentially bring in people who are soft, by showing them how the access in a city has receeded.

Katie Klabusich · 12:50 AM

For sure -- I know most of the people here have trouble explaining what it's like at clinics to their networks.

Robin Marty · 12:50 AM

It's difficult to visualize how much the crowds have grown or the clinics have shrunk or the restrictions have mounted unless you take a 30/40 year frame

Katie Klabusich · 12:51 AM

How did you pick the 12 clinics/cities?

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

★ Spotlighted from Leah Torres

“I'm so excited to fund you, Robin!”

Robin Marty · 12:52 AM

I started out with a few cities that I picked primarily because they were where Pro-Life Action League had their annual conferences :)

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

Hi, Leah!

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

Heh. good material.

Robin Marty · 12:52 AM

and needless to say, I told Joe Scheidler that and he thought it was hysterical

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

★ Spotlighted from J Miller

“is their a list of the cities?”

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

Here's Robin's page on the project: https://rally.org/covers/hZN03FD8NcE

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

★ Spotlighted from Andrew Daar

“Hi all! Sorry I'm late!”

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

Hi, Andrew!

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

★ Spotlighted from Leah Torres

“Hello, ladies! Can't stay but this is gold!”

Katie Klabusich · 12:52 AM

Leah -- go save some lives. <3

Robin Marty · 12:53 AM

I don't have a list of cities yet. The first article that will come out is about Chicago, without a final clinic picked yet

Katie Klabusich · 12:53 AM

★ Spotlighted from Leah Torres

“You've got the smarts, Marty!”

Katie Klabusich · 12:53 AM

★ Spotlighted from Benita Ulisano

“Sadly we'll be seeing the PLAL at our Elston location this saturday.”

Robin Marty · 12:53 AM

Chicago was a big inspiration for this series after I stumbled upon copies of "the Abortion Profiteers" from the Chicago sun times in 1980

Katie Klabusich · 12:53 AM

Oh my....

Katie Klabusich · 12:54 AM

★ Spotlighted from Malinda Frevert

“how many clinics have you visited so far? not just for this project, i mean”

Katie Klabusich · 12:54 AM

★ Spotlighted from Leah Torres

“On it, Katie! Will RT this Tawk! Thanks to you both for your hard work! ”

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

(A bookmark short read for later: Mrs Scheidler who started the PLAL with her husband Joe just admitted that "sidewalk counseling" doesn't work: http://thinkprogress.org/health/2014/07/08/3457509/protester-sidewalk-counseling-success/)

Robin Marty · 12:55 AM

hm...I've been to Wichita, Louisville, a PP in Fayetteville AR, and I've been in really close contact with Fargo, most of the Alabamas, some NJ folk and some NY

Katie Klabusich · 12:55 AM

Pretty much everybody trusts her, so I can't think of a place she isn't welcome.

Katie Klabusich · 12:56 AM

Part of the reason for the crowd funding is that it takes travel and MSM outlets just don't pay for travel.

Robin Marty · 12:56 AM

oh, and I've visited MN, obviously, since I'm here. And I totally forgot about Jackson MS, which is embrassing since I was there for the Roe 40th

Katie Klabusich · 12:56 AM

★ Spotlighted from Leah Torres

“Also, keep an eye on ANSIRH.org-- they have data on what happens when people are turned away from abortion clincs, when they view ultrasounds, when they encounter protestors... Great research team there.”

Robin Marty · 12:56 AM

Flip Benham is the only person I ever set up an interview with and chickened out on ;)

Robin Marty · 12:57 AM

MSM will pay travel expenses for their staffers, or for large print pieces. But then those become so slow you lose any momentum to create change

Katie Klabusich · 12:57 AM

If you are wondering "Why Robin" as the person to fund for these stories, it's because of her access. The anti-choice groups talk to her (I don't know how she does that calmly), so she really is able to tell the full stories.

Katie Klabusich · 12:57 AM

★ Spotlighted from Leah Torres

“Also, if you've not yet read "Crow After Roe," you've not been a productive member of society. ;)”

Robin Marty · 12:57 AM

by self funding, I can have the resources of MSM and the rapid publishing of online

Katie Klabusich · 12:57 AM

<cough> http://www.crowafterroe.com <cough>

Katie Klabusich · 12:58 AM

You're also stuck with the MSM narratives (see the current Cosmo piece on TX stigma).

Robin Marty · 12:58 AM

plus it will free up major time to do extensive research both on the history and on the anti abortion groups themselves, since I don't have to chase down grants and publications

Katie Klabusich · 12:58 AM

You mean the actual research and writing takes time?? -__-

Katie Klabusich · 12:59 AM

★ Spotlighted from Leah Torres

“Fund Robin--> doctor's orders. ;)nMuch <3!!”

Katie Klabusich · 12:59 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“This is great as a way of directing folks who don't get how clinics have specific, localized problems along with the general antipathy towards abortion nationwide. Like, talking to 'devil's advocates' on issues like the buffer zone”

Katie Klabusich · 12:59 AM

Basically, we need this reporting. And no one's doing it. If Robin is willing to take it on, it's a bargain for us all to help her out.

Robin Marty · 12:59 AM

That is a good point and is really a shame. Having too much gatekeeper in the journalism is hard. Especially when, again, this is a gatekeeper that has a narrative they expect to see because they think it's more interesting to the audience

Robin Marty · 1:00 AM

And frankly, it's an excellent way to talk to anti-abortion activists too. I think that having people in their own words is the most important thing a reporter can do.

Katie Klabusich · 1:01 AM

You're really one of the few straight reporters left. Not that you don't have opinions and goals with the work, but you really do let people say what they'll say.

Robin Marty · 1:01 AM

When I speak to them, I make sure they understand that I will not be editing, and I will be portraying them accurately and word for word, and with little commentary surrounding it

Robin Marty · 1:01 AM

my assumption is, if I write them as they are, they should read it and say "yes, that's exactly what I meant!" and when we read it we think "wow, I can't believe they said that."

Katie Klabusich · 1:01 AM

I see a Louisville escort in the chat, btw....

Katie Klabusich · 1:01 AM

Feel free to jump in. ;)

Robin Marty · 1:01 AM

oooh, who?

Katie Klabusich · 1:02 AM

Johnny Au Gratin.

Katie Klabusich · 1:02 AM

And Jane!

Katie Klabusich · 1:02 AM

Unless they've ducked back out.

Robin Marty · 1:02 AM

Anyway, I think that's also why they agree to interviews -- it's their chance to try to reach people they don't usually have an opening to talk to otherwise.

Katie Klabusich · 1:02 AM

I'm with Robin -- letting them say it the way they say it most effective.

Robin Marty · 1:02 AM

Oh hey! I miss breakfasts :)

Katie Klabusich · 1:02 AM

They don't really need our editing to sound unhinged.

Robin Marty · 1:04 AM

It also helps to understand that, whether you agree with them or not, if you truly, deep in your heart believe that a fertilized egg is a full person as real as a toddler, of course this is a massive daily slaughter and tragedy.

Katie Klabusich · 1:04 AM

★ Spotlighted from Benita Ulisano

“Katie, I agree. Once at a PLAL counter protest, one of their regulars started yelling at me. I asked her how she can be pro-life when women die from back alley and illegal abortion. She told me that they deserved it.”

Katie Klabusich · 1:04 AM

★ Spotlighted from Andrew Daar

“Very true; for those that haven't read the article Katie linked to, the Chicago antis lament that the violence at clinics led to buffer zone laws. (She does not lament that violence happened.)”

Robin Marty · 1:04 AM

I don't believe the two are the same, so I can't feel that. But I can see how they can.

Katie Klabusich · 1:04 AM

Totally.

Katie Klabusich · 1:05 AM

I definitely make the distinction b/t people who really think they're out there to save lives and those who are in it for the power/whatever/violent tendency expression.

Katie Klabusich · 1:05 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“i may not be able to help money wise or be help in the flesh but i could help if you need anything arty done :-) and of course,i'll try and re-tweet/re-post as much as i can”

Katie Klabusich · 1:05 AM

Thanks, Lucy! The project is ongoing, so your art/meme magic and a link is always helpful!

Robin Marty · 1:05 AM

And that is where you see how they can justify being prolife and supporting the death penalty, too

Katie Klabusich · 1:06 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“i can but try :-)”

Katie Klabusich · 1:06 AM

Yeah. I'm not with that. You either think all life is sacred or you don't.

Katie Klabusich · 1:06 AM

★ Spotlighted from Andrew Daar

“That is something I find tough; if someone truly believes that, what do I say other than "I disagree"?”

Robin Marty · 1:06 AM

@lucy drop me an email and we'll talk so I can get you into the "Coop"

Robin Marty · 1:07 AM

I should clarify, if anyone doesn't know - the reason there isn't a "list" yet is because the donors, as partners, are going to pick it

Katie Klabusich · 1:07 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“cool,i will. i'll just need your email. :-)”

Robin Marty · 1:07 AM

any person donating even a dollar will be added to the group that will get to choose the next clinic after Chicago, out of a few different choices

Katie Klabusich · 1:07 AM

Awesome! WOOT!

Robin Marty · 1:07 AM

it's my name at gmail :)

Katie Klabusich · 1:07 AM

That's awesome. What's in the running?

Katie Klabusich · 1:07 AM

★ Spotlighted from Andrew Daar

“Definitely understand the death penalty thing, but ultimately agree with Katie. Not only "all life is sacred," but "judge not lest ye be judged." Taking a life is the ultimate judgment.”

Robin Marty · 1:08 AM

That dollar will also get you the stories sent directly to you when they are complete, and a few days before they are public

Katie Klabusich · 1:08 AM

YAS -- Insider access.

Robin Marty · 1:09 AM

"public" stories will then be posted on the website in a blurb followed by a link. the link will lead to a kindle single you can download for $1

Katie Klabusich · 1:09 AM

People should get that I know Robin didn't get to her fundraising goal arbitrarily.

Robin Marty · 1:09 AM

in other words, $1 can get you a year in the coop or you can buy single stories one by one if you don't want to join.

Katie Klabusich · 1:09 AM

This is a project she's been trying to individually pitch and fund for a while and the money really goes to the travel and the work to make the stories complete and the reporting solid. <3

Katie Klabusich · 1:10 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“the hen house”

Robin Marty · 1:10 AM

yup - there is a breakdown of the costs and what they go to at www.robinmarty.com

Katie Klabusich · 1:10 AM

I'm obviously not excited for this project.

Katie Klabusich · 1:11 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“Yes, katie's enthusiasm seems muted ;)”

Katie Klabusich · 1:11 AM

I'm typically understated. Will you still be able to do other reporting during the clinic project?

Robin Marty · 1:11 AM

as for next clinics, I have a few ideas: AMS in Milwaukee (the clinic currently being held open by an injunction), or the city of Fargo, which we could tie into the current abortion ban ballot initiative, or Hope Clinic, the Akin/IL clinic I mentione

Robin Marty · 1:13 AM

hahaha. I'll be doing other reporting where I do normally. I'm currently a twice monthly columnist for TPM, and I have my dailies at care2. the funding supports my ability to afford daycare so I can write :)

Katie Klabusich · 1:13 AM

Hooray! ALL THE REPORTING!

Katie Klabusich · 1:13 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“Ah yes, childcare in the U.S. .. more intersectional issues!”

Katie Klabusich · 1:13 AM

★ Spotlighted from Andrew Daar

“The judge I worked for in Chicago authored the appellate decision in the Hope Clinic case, striking down the consent requirement. Too bad the IL supreme court disagreed.”

Robin Marty · 1:13 AM

Also, as things pop up, I'm intending to use the new website to do other stories I can't get MSM to pick up on quickly enough *cough*Huntsville AL*cough*

Katie Klabusich · 1:14 AM

★ Spotlighted from Christine Salek

“Fargo = Red River, yes?”

Katie Klabusich · 1:14 AM

Indiana seems to be under some pretty direct attacks with clinic closures right now -- is that just funding related? I feel like I don't hear a ton about new TRAP laws.

Katie Klabusich · 1:14 AM

maybe they're just going into effect now.

Robin Marty · 1:14 AM

@christine yes, but there was also another clinic there before, which is where Susan Wicklund was, so this will pull the whole city together

Katie Klabusich · 1:14 AM

The story of where clinics WERE and now ARE is something I'm really interested in.

Robin Marty · 1:15 AM

plus, then I can mention that one of the former lambs of christ who locked himself to cars in front of the clinic now clerks for Roy Moore in AL

Katie Klabusich · 1:15 AM

Katie Klabusich · 1:15 AM

★ Spotlighted from J Miller

“Would love to see a visit to South Bend”

Robin Marty · 1:15 AM

@katie and especially how they've disappeared in the plains

Katie Klabusich · 1:15 AM

I have accommodations for Robin, should she need them in Indiana. ;)

Katie Klabusich · 1:16 AM

Yeah, your story on the 1,000 mile stretch is just horrifying.

Robin Marty · 1:16 AM

@jason - Indiana is on my list, although I was thinking bloomington. Would love to hear more if you have ideas. And that goes for everyone

Robin Marty · 1:16 AM

Also, Columbus will be happening at some point, since I believe that city has more anti abortion groups per capita than any in the nation

Katie Klabusich · 1:16 AM

This is a really good excuse to check out clinics in your community -- see if they're there, do a Google and see if they have history. Hit Robin up if you have ideas. Pitch the reporter!

Katie Klabusich · 1:16 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“Sunlight is the best disinfectant...the pervasiveness of extremists in places of influence and power needs to be spotlighted”

Katie Klabusich · 1:17 AM

Michael -- agreed. Thanks again for doing the HuffPo panel on escorting!

Katie Klabusich · 1:17 AM

Right to Life started in Ohio, correct?

Katie Klabusich · 1:17 AM

Or do I just really dislike their state affiliate?

Robin Marty · 1:17 AM

PLEASE pitch the reporter. as I said in my funding plea, I want to be YOUR reporter. The media believes that it knows what stories you want to hear, but I'm not sure I agree.

Robin Marty · 1:18 AM

RTL didn't start there, but Jack Wilke, who was the national director for most of the 80s, was from there. he was also the first abstience only sex educator, pre-Roe, with his wife Barbara

Katie Klabusich · 1:18 AM

Ok. I just really dislike them b/c bears and roses. (google heartbeat ban)

Robin Marty · 1:18 AM

you would know him as the "you can't get pregnant from rape" myth starter

Katie Klabusich · 1:19 AM

★ Spotlighted from J Miller

“South Bend desperately needs escorts. According to Indy Feminist”

Robin Marty · 1:19 AM

and yes, he was a huge part of the heartbeat ban push in Ohio. Still is

Katie Klabusich · 1:19 AM

Yeah -- that myth is super old, y'all. It's just that Todd Akin was the first to say it in front of bigger cameras and recording devices.

Katie Klabusich · 1:19 AM

Jason -- we're both friends with those folks. Whether or not a clinic has escorts is typically at the will of the clinic ownership.

Katie Klabusich · 1:20 AM

Not all clinics want an additional presence outside.

Katie Klabusich · 1:20 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jane KY Kini Malia

“Hello, and thank you for all these great resources!”

Katie Klabusich · 1:20 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“The media believes it knows what generates revenue...reading/comprehension is (sometimes close) afterthought”

Robin Marty · 1:20 AM

Wilke also pushed the theory that young girls impregnanted by incest are best served by giving birth because it's the only way to heal the family

Katie Klabusich · 1:20 AM

JESUS.

Katie Klabusich · 1:20 AM

★ Spotlighted from Andrew Daar

“what”

Katie Klabusich · 1:20 AM

I hadn't heard that one is so long, I think I'd forgotten it.

Katie Klabusich · 1:20 AM

<<pours more wine>>

Katie Klabusich · 1:21 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“*chin hits floor...* :-O”

Katie Klabusich · 1:21 AM

Lucy -- you have any equivalents to these people in the UK?

Katie Klabusich · 1:21 AM

Do you have a goal for the Chicago piece as far as timeline?

Katie Klabusich · 1:21 AM

★ Spotlighted from Benita Ulisano

“Yes, South Bend has been recruiting. Noel Spring is their organizer.”

Katie Klabusich · 1:21 AM

<cough> @ClinicVest <cough>

Robin Marty · 1:22 AM

I'm hoping to do one last reporting trip in August. Jill stanek offered to get me at the airport :)

Katie Klabusich · 1:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“the only thing i can think of is that when i went for my abortion, it was so quick and easy. there were NO portoests.”

Katie Klabusich · 1:22 AM

Yeah, it's part of health care in England.

Katie Klabusich · 1:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“the only places i can think that i think have anything like this would be in ireland”

Robin Marty · 1:22 AM

I believe that Chicago will go live beginning of September with the new website which I also think will be ready then

Katie Klabusich · 1:22 AM

Yeah, there's a really great movement in Ireland!

Katie Klabusich · 1:22 AM

Awesome!!

Katie Klabusich · 1:22 AM

★ Spotlighted from Benita Ulisano

“We will be happy to have you join us Robin!”

Robin Marty · 1:23 AM

also, I spoke today with a photographer who will join me for the first trip and will see how that works

Robin Marty · 1:23 AM

@lucy don't you have abort86 or something like that?

Katie Klabusich · 1:23 AM

btw -- if you ever need someone, I have a great independent person you can borrow who's usually available. :)

Katie Klabusich · 1:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Andrew Daar

“One of our escorts is Dutch. The concept of protesters was completely foreign to her when she moved here.”

Katie Klabusich · 1:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“more and more women are cming over to the uk for their abortions because they not that easy in ireland”

Katie Klabusich · 1:23 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“and now,i beleive they actually want to make it illegal for anyone to come here”

Katie Klabusich · 1:24 AM

Healthcare/access = regional.

Robin Marty · 1:24 AM

yes, but is she willing to fundraise for her own position? ;)

Katie Klabusich · 1:24 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jane KY Kini Malia

“Of course they do. They want to make it illegal on Earth.”

Robin Marty · 1:24 AM

btw, are you here, Wendi?

Katie Klabusich · 1:24 AM

I don't see her. :/

Katie Klabusich · 1:24 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“back here in the uk. i know of only one abortion clinic. and i found thru marie stopes http://mariestopes.org.uk/Womens_services/Abortion.aspx”

Katie Klabusich · 1:25 AM

Yikes!

Katie Klabusich · 1:25 AM

We're running out of time.

Katie Klabusich · 1:25 AM

Does anyone have questions for Robin that we haven't gotten to?

Katie Klabusich · 1:25 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“From what I understand, we're exporting antichoice protest movements to the UK, though still small...'Murica!”

Katie Klabusich · 1:25 AM

Robin -- anything about the project you want to add?

Katie Klabusich · 1:26 AM

★ Spotlighted from Wendi Kent

“Hey there! Have been here but wasn't logged in.”

Katie Klabusich · 1:26 AM

★ Spotlighted from J Miller

“Thanks for hosting Katie and Robin.”

Robin Marty · 1:26 AM

http://rhrealitycheck.org/article/2013/01/24/forcing-rape-victim-into-giving-birth-new-mexico-has-novel-approach/

Katie Klabusich · 1:26 AM

★ Spotlighted from Benita Ulisano

“Michael, Australia as well.”

Katie Klabusich · 1:26 AM

Ugh -- yeah we are REALLY sending our anti-everybody's to Australia.

Robin Marty · 1:26 AM

sorry, I got distracted because I KNEW I'd writen about the Wilke Incest thing

Katie Klabusich · 1:26 AM

Word.

Katie Klabusich · 1:27 AM

one more time, here's the link: https://rally.org/covers/hZN03FD8NcE

Katie Klabusich · 1:27 AM

Bookmark it, share it -- even if you can't give, stay connected to follow the reporting.

Katie Klabusich · 1:27 AM

★ Spotlighted from Benita Ulisano

“Thank you Robin and Katie!”

Katie Klabusich · 1:27 AM

★ Spotlighted from Michael Nam

“Will rebroadcast!”

Robin Marty · 1:27 AM

Nothing more to add, other than please give if you can, and share if you can't. I'll write til we run out of money, and then I'll raise some more.

Katie Klabusich · 1:27 AM

If we don't want access to stay this awful patchwork forever, we need Robin's work.

Katie Klabusich · 1:27 AM

★ Spotlighted from Wendi Kent

“I've already learned so much just from this tawk! I can't wait to read the pieces and hopefully have some great accompanying photos.”

Katie Klabusich · 1:27 AM

★ Spotlighted from Andrew Daar

“Thanks Katie & Robin!”

Robin Marty · 1:28 AM

but the more supporters there are in the campaign, and the more I can raise, the better it helps me if I seek larger donors for this, too :)

Katie Klabusich · 1:28 AM

Thank you SO much to everyone who came and chimed in and the 1900+ who listened!

Katie Klabusich · 1:28 AM

★ Spotlighted from Malinda Frevert

“2nd what Wendi said -- i'm really excited to read the first piece after this tawk”

Katie Klabusich · 1:28 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“most recent anti abortion rally in ireland - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-28177462 that was a couple of days a go”

Robin Marty · 1:28 AM

Thanks, yall!

Katie Klabusich · 1:28 AM

Thank you, Robin!!

Katie Klabusich · 1:29 AM

★ Spotlighted from Lucy Dyer

“thanks you two :-)”

Katie Klabusich · 1:29 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jane KY Kini Malia

“1,969 Viewers!!! Awesome.”

Katie Klabusich · 1:41 AM

★ Spotlighted from Jane KY Kini Malia

“thank you so much for this, Katie and Robin. and thank you everyone for all the great comments.”

Forum · 71

Forum· 71 comments

2,072 visitors

Tawkers AdminJul 3, 2014, 8:46 PM

Welcome to the comment section of the Tawk, where audience members can share their thoughts about the main conversation happening on the left. Don't by shy! Entering questions and comments is the only way to get the attention of the two Hosts on stage!

Lucy DyerJul 10, 2014, 12:29 AM★ Spotlighted

hey Katie & Robin. :-)

J MillerJul 10, 2014, 12:29 AM★ Spotlighted

Hello all

J MillerJul 10, 2014, 12:35 AM★ Spotlighted

FACE Act https://www.prochoice.org/about_abortion/facts/face_act.html

Christine SalekJul 10, 2014, 12:39 AM★ Spotlighted

I was gonna say, I can't believe that's all one clinic -- that's really fascinating.

Malinda FrevertJul 10, 2014, 12:42 AM★ Spotlighted

what's the most interesting thing you've learned since beginning to look into clinics' stories?

Michael NamJul 10, 2014, 12:43 AM★ Spotlighted

Coming from MSM background, yeah, the big picture is invisible and the details don't add up to nice, easy narratives for maximum clicks

Benita UlisanoJul 10, 2014, 12:47 AM★ Spotlighted

Hello

Heather ParkerJul 10, 2014, 12:47 AM★ Spotlighted

Bonsoir!

J MillerJul 10, 2014, 12:47 AM★ Spotlighted

Imagine the work the Lville Escorts have cut out for them

Benita UlisanoJul 10, 2014, 12:48 AM★ Spotlighted

Katie, you rock!!!! Glad to be here!! xoxo

Michael NamJul 10, 2014, 12:48 AM★ Spotlighted

40 was nausea-inducing...300...I just can't

Leah TorresJul 10, 2014, 12:52 AM★ Spotlighted

I'm so excited to fund you, Robin!

J MillerJul 10, 2014, 12:52 AM★ Spotlighted

is their a list of the cities?

Andrew DaarJul 10, 2014, 12:52 AM★ Spotlighted

Hi all! Sorry I'm late!

Leah TorresJul 10, 2014, 12:52 AM★ Spotlighted

Hello, ladies! Can't stay but this is gold!

Leah TorresJul 10, 2014, 12:53 AM★ Spotlighted

You've got the smarts, Marty!

Benita UlisanoJul 10, 2014, 12:53 AM★ Spotlighted

Sadly we'll be seeing the PLAL at our Elston location this saturday.

Malinda FrevertJul 10, 2014, 12:53 AM★ Spotlighted

how many clinics have you visited so far? not just for this project, i mean

Leah TorresJul 10, 2014, 12:54 AM★ Spotlighted

On it, Katie! Will RT this Tawk! Thanks to you both for your hard work!

Leah TorresJul 10, 2014, 12:56 AM★ Spotlighted

Also, keep an eye on ANSIRH.org-- they have data on what happens when people are turned away from abortion clincs, when they view ultrasounds, when they encounter protestors... Great research team there.

Leah TorresJul 10, 2014, 12:57 AM★ Spotlighted

Also, if you've not yet read "Crow After Roe," you've not been a productive member of society. ;)

Michael NamJul 10, 2014, 12:58 AM★ Spotlighted

This is great as a way of directing folks who don't get how clinics have specific, localized problems along with the general antipathy towards abortion nationwide. Like, talking to 'devil's advocates' on issues like the buffer zone

Leah TorresJul 10, 2014, 12:58 AM★ Spotlighted

Fund Robin--> doctor's orders. ;)nMuch <3!!

Benita UlisanoJul 10, 2014, 1:04 AM★ Spotlighted

Katie, I agree. Once at a PLAL counter protest, one of their regulars started yelling at me. I asked her how she can be pro-life when women die from back alley and illegal abortion. She told me that they deserved it.

Andrew DaarJul 10, 2014, 1:04 AM★ Spotlighted

Very true; for those that haven't read the article Katie linked to, the Chicago antis lament that the violence at clinics led to buffer zone laws. (She does not lament that violence happened.)

Lucy DyerJul 10, 2014, 1:05 AM★ Spotlighted

i may not be able to help money wise or be help in the flesh but i could help if you need anything arty done :-) and of course,i'll try and re-tweet/re-post as much as i can

Andrew DaarJul 10, 2014, 1:05 AM★ Spotlighted

That is something I find tough; if someone truly believes that, what do I say other than "I disagree"?

Lucy DyerJul 10, 2014, 1:06 AM★ Spotlighted

i can but try :-)

Lucy DyerJul 10, 2014, 1:06 AM★ Spotlighted

cool,i will. i'll just need your email. :-)

Andrew DaarJul 10, 2014, 1:07 AM★ Spotlighted

Definitely understand the death penalty thing, but ultimately agree with Katie. Not only "all life is sacred," but "judge not lest ye be judged." Taking a life is the ultimate judgment.

Lucy DyerJul 10, 2014, 1:10 AM★ Spotlighted

the hen house

Michael NamJul 10, 2014, 1:10 AM★ Spotlighted

Yes, katie's enthusiasm seems muted ;)

Will JosephsJul 10, 2014, 1:12 AM

Surely smart Prochoice realizes that there is a vast moral and juridical difference between completely innocent gestating babies and a convicted serial murder rapist sitting on Death Row.

Andrew DaarJul 10, 2014, 1:13 AM★ Spotlighted

The judge I worked for in Chicago authored the appellate decision in the Hope Clinic case, striking down the consent requirement. Too bad the IL supreme court disagreed.

Michael NamJul 10, 2014, 1:13 AM★ Spotlighted

Ah yes, childcare in the U.S. .. more intersectional issues!

Christine SalekJul 10, 2014, 1:13 AM★ Spotlighted

Fargo = Red River, yes?

J MillerJul 10, 2014, 1:15 AM★ Spotlighted

Would love to see a visit to South Bend

Will JosephsJul 10, 2014, 1:16 AM

Still I appreciate Robin's intellectual and moral integrity by her confession that she understands how Prolife can be horrified by the annual slaughter of 1,2 Million gestating babies GIVEN that we know human life begins at conception...

Michael NamJul 10, 2014, 1:16 AM★ Spotlighted

Sunlight is the best disinfectant...the pervasiveness of extremists in places of influence and power needs to be spotlighted

Will JosephsJul 10, 2014, 1:17 AM

...and that PERSONHOOD should extend to every new homo sapien from fertilization and not arbitrarily assigned to a birth moment that can occur between ~24 & 42 weeks w/ viability.

J MillerJul 10, 2014, 1:19 AM★ Spotlighted

South Bend desperately needs escorts. According to Indy Feminist

Will JosephsJul 10, 2014, 1:19 AM

Prolife understands that gestating babies as young or younger than 6 weeks in utero killed by anyone other than her mother ARE treated as full persons under the law & their killers are prosecuted for Murder under UVVA & 36 similar state statutes.

Michael NamJul 10, 2014, 1:19 AM★ Spotlighted

The media believes it knows what generates revenue...reading/comprehension is (sometimes close) afterthought

Jane KY Kini MaliaJul 10, 2014, 1:20 AM★ Spotlighted

Hello, and thank you for all these great resources!

Andrew DaarJul 10, 2014, 1:20 AM★ Spotlighted

what

Lucy DyerJul 10, 2014, 1:21 AM★ Spotlighted

*chin hits floor...* :-O

Benita UlisanoJul 10, 2014, 1:21 AM★ Spotlighted

Yes, South Bend has been recruiting. Noel Spring is their organizer.

Lucy DyerJul 10, 2014, 1:22 AM★ Spotlighted

the only thing i can think of is that when i went for my abortion, it was so quick and easy. there were NO portoests.

Lucy DyerJul 10, 2014, 1:22 AM★ Spotlighted

the only places i can think that i think have anything like this would be in ireland

Benita UlisanoJul 10, 2014, 1:22 AM★ Spotlighted

We will be happy to have you join us Robin!

Andrew DaarJul 10, 2014, 1:23 AM★ Spotlighted

One of our escorts is Dutch. The concept of protesters was completely foreign to her when she moved here.

Lucy DyerJul 10, 2014, 1:23 AM★ Spotlighted

more and more women are cming over to the uk for their abortions because they not that easy in ireland

Lucy DyerJul 10, 2014, 1:23 AM★ Spotlighted

and now,i beleive they actually want to make it illegal for anyone to come here

Jane KY Kini MaliaJul 10, 2014, 1:24 AM★ Spotlighted

Of course they do. They want to make it illegal on Earth.

Lucy DyerJul 10, 2014, 1:24 AM★ Spotlighted

back here in the uk. i know of only one abortion clinic. and i found thru marie stopes http://mariestopes.org.uk/Womens_services/Abortion.aspx

Michael NamJul 10, 2014, 1:25 AM★ Spotlighted

From what I understand, we're exporting antichoice protest movements to the UK, though still small...'Murica!

Wendi KentJul 10, 2014, 1:25 AM★ Spotlighted

Hey there! Have been here but wasn't logged in.

J MillerJul 10, 2014, 1:25 AM★ Spotlighted

Thanks for hosting Katie and Robin.

Lucy DyerJul 10, 2014, 1:26 AM

i have to say tho,this organisation,from ym experience were great. they asked me were i was,told me the nearest clinic and how to get there. not once did i get any "you know you shouldnt be doing this?" or "have you thought about adoption?"

Benita UlisanoJul 10, 2014, 1:26 AM★ Spotlighted

Michael, Australia as well.

Benita UlisanoJul 10, 2014, 1:27 AM★ Spotlighted

Thank you Robin and Katie!

Michael NamJul 10, 2014, 1:27 AM★ Spotlighted

Will rebroadcast!

Wendi KentJul 10, 2014, 1:27 AM★ Spotlighted

I've already learned so much just from this tawk! I can't wait to read the pieces and hopefully have some great accompanying photos.

Andrew DaarJul 10, 2014, 1:27 AM★ Spotlighted

Thanks Katie & Robin!

Lucy DyerJul 10, 2014, 1:28 AM★ Spotlighted

most recent anti abortion rally in ireland - http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-northern-ireland-28177462 that was a couple of days a go

Malinda FrevertJul 10, 2014, 1:28 AM★ Spotlighted

2nd what Wendi said -- i'm really excited to read the first piece after this tawk

Lucy DyerJul 10, 2014, 1:28 AM★ Spotlighted

thanks you two :-)

Will JosephsJul 10, 2014, 1:28 AM

Remember Prolife: we know human life begins at fertilization and we believe every human life, like YOURS, should be protected and given a chance at life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness!

Jane KY Kini MaliaJul 10, 2014, 1:28 AM★ Spotlighted

1,969 Viewers!!! Awesome.

Jane KY Kini MaliaJul 10, 2014, 1:36 AM★ Spotlighted

thank you so much for this, Katie and Robin. and thank you everyone for all the great comments.