The sound of music blares from speakers outside of the Jackson Women's Health Organization so that patients can't hear anti-abortion activist trying to talk them as they enter the building.
Anna Montesi, a volunteer escort at the facility says Thursday was much quieter. Wednesday, she says tensions were high with protestors demonstrating at the abortion clinic. That’s the day the U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments over Mississippi’s 15 week abortion ban.
“And that has raised their energy levels a little bit and made them a little bolder than they normally are. Patients are concerned. Patients are inside. It’s going to be the same way it always is and today is obviously a lot calmer. We’re still seeing patients. We’re going to keep seeing patients until it’s over,” Montesi said.
John Lisenbe of Meridian, an anti-abortion rights activist is one of two people, outside the clinic trying to hand out literature to patients. It’s the only facility in the state that provides abortions. Lisenbe says maybe the Supreme Court will overturn Roe v. Wade, but it’s still important to be here.
“So we stand out here and try to present an alternative and try to get these ladies to talk with us and they typically won’t. But that’s our goal,” Lisenbe said.
Laura Duran a former president of Pro-Life Mississippi is with Lisenbe. She believes it will take more than a 6 to 3 conservative majority on the high court to end abortion.
“Six to three, but then there’s the fourth man in the fire and that’s our Lord and Saviour. If it’s his will then it will be done. The good will be accomplished and will be accomplished by changing the heart of the justices,” Duran said.
Duran says even if Roe v. Wade is overturned, they will continue their work to educate people about abortion.
