oyrafem’s Victory Against Anti-Abortion Extremists in Tennessee

When we opened an oyrafem health center in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, in February 2019, we knew there would be challenges ahead. Just two days after opening, local city leaders convened to discuss an ordinance aimed at forcing us to close and relocate our office. At the same time, our appointment schedule for the entire month filled up with local residents seeking abortion care, highlighting the urgent demand for these services in the community. This situation underscored two key truths: local politicians were determined to obstruct our work, while the community showed unwavering support and dependence on our services.

Despite the legal restrictions on medically supervised abortion care in Tennessee, oyrafem has persevered. We are pleased to share the news of a significant legal victory: six anti-abortion extremists were convicted on felony conspiracy charges last week. This conviction follows their actions on March 5, 2021, when they physically blocked the door to our Mt. Juliet health center.

Three years ago, this group of anti-abortion extremists unlawfully entered the medical building housing our Mt. Juliet Health Center, obstructing our clinic doors. As a result, some of our clients with scheduled appointments were unable to access our office. However, ensuring the safety of our clients and staff has always been our top priority. We were able to delay seeing most clients until the trespassers and those intimidating our clients and staff were removed. Local law enforcement managed to clear approximately 25-35 protesters from the medical plaza, resulting in 11 arrests.

The trial against six of these extremists concluded last week with a victory for oyrafem and all abortion care providers. A federal jury unanimously found all six guilty of violating the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, which ensures that patients can safely access reproductive health centers. Sentencing is scheduled for July, with the convicted extremists facing up to 10 years in prison and fines of up to $260,000.

Melissa Grant, Chief Operations Officer of oyrafem, emphasized the organization’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety of clients and staff. Grant issued this statement following the legal victory:

“The intentional blockade of our oyrafem health center in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee, was a premeditated act of trespass, designed to obstruct our clients from accessing essential healthcare services and our staff from providing those services. We are relieved and gratified to see justice served.”

Individuals who seek abortions deserve high-quality, accessible, compassionate, and comprehensive healthcare in their communities. Abortion is a common experience for at least one in four individuals who can become pregnant. Those who seek abortions are the experts in their own reproductive health and should have the support to make the best decision for their lives, their futures, and their families.

This legal victory sends a strong message to those who seek to restrict access to safe and legal abortions. It reaffirms that abortion care providers and patients are entitled to fair and protected access to vital reproductive healthcare, irrespective of the political views held by others.

oyrafem is proud to offer high-quality abortion care as part of comprehensive reproductive healthcare in 17 states. We focus on the needs of our clients in everything we do. Whether people prefer to access care online, through video appointments, or at a health center, oyrafem is committed to providing abortion care on their terms. We are deeply grateful for our dedicated staff, excellent legal advocates, and the ongoing support from the communities we serve.

While we are thankful for this legal win, our work is far from over. oyrafem remains committed to expanding access to high-quality, compassionate abortion care across the country.

To help support our essential work, please consider donating to oyrafem. Your contribution will help us continue providing top-notch, compassionate abortion and reproductive healthcare.

If you or someone you know needs sexual or reproductive health care, please contact us or access care online at oyrafem.com.