Stories of Hope and Resilience from inside an abortion clinic bracing for the big battle
The state of Missouri became the first US state to ban abortion on Friday, May 24, hours after a Supreme Court ruling struck down decades of the constitutional right to abortion, followed by many other midwestern states. Illinois has now become an abortion oasis in the American midwest. Just across the border of Missouri, in Illinois, a local abortion clinic has been racing to treat as many patients as possible. Since the Supreme Court ruling, the Hope Clinic in Granite City has received a very high call volume from patients - over 400 daily, mostly from out of state. Last year the clinic served patients from 19 states. As the clinic continues to serve a high patient influx while providers in other states go dark, it will likely only become a more attractive target to anti-abortion activists. America’s long history of violence against abortion clinics and the new Supreme Court ruling means security concerns have become more critical. According to data collected by the National Abortion Federation, violence against abortion providers has risen steadily. The National Abortion Federation released its report tracking violence and harassment against abortion providers for 2021; the report found a considerable increase in reports of vandalism, stalking, assaults, and batteries compared to past years. The Hope Clinic was founded by Dr. Hector Zevallos in 1974. He and his wife were abducted from their home in 1982. They were held hostage for eight days by the Christian terrorist organization, the 'Army of God', before being released. Over the years, the clinic that is located in an ultra-conservative town has received backlash in various forms, such as contractors refusing to provide emergency repair services for the facility. Days before Roe was overturned, Chelsea Souder and Julie Burkhart bought the Hope Clinic and are looking at expanding the operations in the wake of Roe vs Wade being overturned. They are expanding the operations by hiring more staff, extending clinic operation hours, and providing surgical abortions in the upcoming months.In addition to dealing with increased client volume, the clinic staff and owners must also manage the challenges of expanding the facility.As Roe is overturned, employees at the clinic fear increased backlash from anti-abortion activists and persecution from states that have banned abortion. States that have prohibited abortions are using legal threats and proposing more laws to increase pressure on providers and their allies. Several of the Hope Clinic employees are Missouri residents.Using photography and interviews, I am interested in exploring the story of the Hope Clinic prevailing in a conservative Midwestern town. I am interested in delving deeper to understand the logistical and mental health challenges the clinic staff and owners face as they bravely brace for one of the unprecedented times in abortion rights history. I am particularly interested in framing the reportage through the stories of strength, resilience, and vulnerability. I am keen on telling the story as independent clinics like Hope provide most abortion services in the United States. Most coverage on the abortion ban has focused on Planned Parenthood, especially in southern states such as Texas and Mississippi. Stories typically focus on the logistical challenges providers face but seldom reveal an intimate view of what it is like for the staff and owners of an abortion clinic to show up every single day to do the work they do both logistically, mentally, and politically challenging times. During my three visits to the Hope Clinic on media assignments, I spoke with the owner, doctors, front desk staff, social workers, security, and other staff. I am interested in learning more about their hopes, fear, and what keeps them believing in their work. Most importantly, I am interested in capturing the determination and hard work involved in operating a small abortion clinic.Using a holistic and solutions storytelling approach, my photo essay will delve into the path-breaking important work the clinic and its staff are doing to make women’s health accessible to all socioeconomic backgrounds across state lines. I plan to produce a long-form photo essay with detailed captions using an intersectional and solutions-driven approach. I hope to make compelling images of the clinic and the town's landscape, portraits of the staff and owners of the clinic, and daily proceedings at the clinic. In the past, media outlets have hired me for a one or two-day assignment limiting my time to produce a more nuanced photo coverage on the issue. The grant will allow me the time and financial means to delve deeper into the story.