Father-of-two Dr. David Gunn began practicing medicine as an obstetrician-gynecologist and abortion provider in Brewton, Alabama, fulfilling a deeply personal imperative to provide these services to patients in hostile environments. . He later bravely decided to establish the Pensacola Women’s Medical Services clinic in Pensacola, Florida, knowing that area was home to a hostile anti-abortion movement that intimidated abortion providers and patients alike.

As he entered his clinic in Pensacola on March 10, 1993, a white supremacist, anti-abortion extremist opened fire, tragically killing Dr. Gunn. It was the first known case of the murder of an abortion provider in the United States, but devastatingly not the last. Prior to this incident, Dr. Gunn was the subject of constant harassment, on par with the growing threats and attacks on abortion providers today. The National Abortion Federation’s 2020 statistics on violence and disruption found an alarming escalation in incidents of obstruction, vandalism and intrusion into abortion clinics.

As we face concerted attacks on reproductive rights – via restrictive laws, outright bans, and the demonization of providers and patients – I strongly believe that we must uplift and recognize those who provide reproductive health care. . As Dr. Gunn’s story shows all too clearly, abortion providers face multi-faceted attacks on their work, while demonstrating remarkable resilience and continuing to be an essential and valued part of their communities. Their sacrifice and dedication should be honored.

This week, I join colleagues in the United States House of Representatives and Senate to present a resolution honoring Abortion Provider Appreciation Day alongside the surviving children of Dr. Gunn, Catholics for Choice , the National Council of Jewish Women and other national and local advocacy groups. This resolution affirms Congress’s commitment to ensuring the safety of abortion providers and their ability to continue to provide the essential care their patients need. It also declares a vision for a future where access to abortion is free from restrictions and prohibitions universally. We must never forget that this is our primary aspiration – a country where all people who want reproductive care can receive it.

When I arrived at Congress in 2019, I was eager to engage in the essential work of advancing the cause of reproductive justice with my colleagues. My fervent dedication to reproductive justice is informed by my lifelong dedication to human rights and the Jewish tradition of respect for individual dignity and bodily autonomy.

Pikuach nefesh, a central tenet of Jewish life, emphasizes that the preservation of human life always trumps Halacha, Jewish law. Along with many disparate faiths in the Jewish community, I embrace this facet of Jewish teaching to ask us to protect the life of the patient and put their health, well-being and safety first. Judaism also emphasizes Kavod habriyot, the affirmation of human dignity, which guides us towards maintaining individual autonomy and affirming each person’s unique needs. Through these teachings and the Jewish spirit of community and care, my faith deepens my commitment to supporting abortion providers and patients.

We must frame the ongoing attacks on reproductive freedom and abortion providers as a movement to strengthen control – control over the bodies of those who seek reproductive health care, control over those who face racial and income barriers that stifle their ability to decide what is best for them. their own health, and control of power structures that are too often used to impede progress and equality, such as the Supreme Court. Moreover, being part of the fight for reproductive justice also requires recognizing that the movement to suppress reproductive freedom stems from the same regressive politics of our national past. After all, it was a white supremacist who took Dr. Gunn’s life.

As the Court threatens to overturn or seriously undermine Roe v. Wade, protecting and promoting reproductive freedom will require strong and resilient communities to come together to ensure that everyone can access the care they need. Despite the challenges ahead, I am also deeply optimistic, as I have seen how good and righteous people have come together to uplift and protect each other. It is in this spirit that we must all support abortion providers within our communities and fight for their ability to continue to provide the essential care their patients need.

Congressman Andy LevinAndrew (Andy) LevinThe Hill’s Morning Report – The world is ready for war Races at home where redistricting pits Democrats against each other Questions arise over how to form a congressional staff union MORE represents Michigan’s 9th district in Oakland and Macomb counties. He is a former synagogue president and member of the Pro-Choice Caucus.