“I feel like going on.” As these words blended in harmonies from the voices of MUSE, Cincinnati’s women’s choir, I reflected on the events of the past few weeks.

Dr. Tiller had been murdered, his clinic had been closed, and it seemed as if words of hate spouted everywhere I read or listened. It was getting more and more difficult to muster up any hope or positive energy. So, when I got the opportunity to help plan a vigil for Dr. Tiller, I knew I had to take it. I knew our community needed this. I knew I needed this.


I worked with my boyfriend, who is a member of University of Cincinnati Medical Students for Choice, the organization that sponsored the event. On Tuesday, June 16, nearly 50 members and leaders from the Cincinnati community joined together at Mount Auburn Presbyterian Church to participate in the candlelight vigil and letter-writing campaign.

The service began with an opening prayer that the Rev. Susan Quinn Bryan had written especially for the occasion and continued with assorted readings by community members. Then, several participants stood up and shared their personal feelings, stories, and reasons for wanting to remember and honor Dr. Tiller. It was clear to me then that I hadn’t been alone in my feelings and fears, and I was so grateful to those who shared their stories. MUSE’s performance was next, and it inspired us all to take action in the wake of this tragedy.

After a closing prayer by the Rev. Bryan, we gathered in the social hall to write letters to legislators as well as thank you letters to our local providers. The next day, we were able to deliver 12 letters of support and thanks to physicians at Planned Parenthood and the Women’s Med Center and over 30 letters were sent to state and federal representatives!


This vigil and action night gave us the opportunity to gather, remember a hero in the field of abortion care, and honor his memory by fighting for the principles of his life’s work. And even though we exited the church that evening into a stormy downpour, we all felt like going on.

-Nurit

On June 13th and 14th, Planned Parenthood Southwest Ohio Region braved torrential downpours to attend Cincinnati PRIDE Festival and had a great time! Amongst charming crafts, delicious food and dozens of social service organizations, we distributed hundreds and hundreds of condoms and other safer sex devices and information to a thoroughly friendly crowd. We also marched in the PRIDE parade with our partner organization StopAIDS.

Thanks to Cincinnati’s wonderful LGBTQQA community, we collected hundreds of signatures for our petition for comprehensive sex education and met a full spectrum of loyal supporters. Thanks for your support, Cincinnati!


-Laurie