Even though abortion has been legal and safe for over 35 years, and birth control has been legal since 1960, there are still people who feel it’s wrong and that you shouldn’t be allowed to use birth control or have an abortion. Our Kalamazoo health center has one or two people that show up to protest in front of our building at least once a week.

If there are protestors on the sidewalk or near the driveway in front of the Kalamazoo health center when you arrive, DO NOT STOP for them. Stopping can (and has) cause an accident.

To avoid the protesters:

• DO NOT STOP!
• Ignore them and drive directly into the parking lot.
• Do not talk to the protesters.
• Leave your car windows rolled up.

Here are some other things to keep in mind, and help your visit go smoothly:

They May Be Annoying But…
Protesters have a legal right to be on the sidewalk — in front of the fence. The Constitution protects their right to carry signs, to speak out, and to “assemble.”

However, there are restrictions!

• They are restricted to public areas like the sidewalk and must keep moving.
• They may not stop you in our driveway, go past our gate, or enter the parking lot or building.
• They are not allowed to block you from entering the driveway or parking lot.

Protesters may…

• Come up to your car as you enter our driveway (DO NOT STOP) and try to give you literature
• May have camera’s or graphic signs to intimidate you
• Try to engage you in conversation
• Try to persuade you not to enter the building
• May claim to offer you financial help and counseling
• Tell you that you should “go across the street” (there is a crisis pregnancy center across from our Kalamazoo health center)
• Will use their religious beliefs to try to keep you from entering Planned Parenthood
• Will do their best to convince you that you are making the wrong decision by using birth control, having sex outside of marriage or making the decision to terminate your pregnancy

They will NOT tell you the truth about…

• Birth control
• Abortion
• Your rights
• Our services

More Helpful Hints

• As you leave the parking lot, if the light is red, stop just inside the gate where protesters are not allowed.
• If you arrive in a taxi, have the driver pull into the parking lot and drop you at the front door.
• If you arrive on foot, walk directly through the gate. If they prevent you from doing this, call the police or our office
• Don’t argue with the protesters. They believe very strongly in their views and you can’t change their minds (anymore than they can change yours!)
• If you want to listen to their arguments, you should do that in a way that does not block the driveway or parking lot entrance

Planned Parenthood Believes In You

Planned Parenthood supports your right to make up your own mind about using birth control and abortion. We know that these are personal issues. You have the right to choose your destiny — nobody is more qualified to make these personal decisions than you are.

Our staff is trained to help you keep your appointment without being delayed or annoyed. We are here to offer you assistance. Let us know how we can help you.