A man wearing glasses and a clinic escort vest standing outside in front of a large building, engaging with another person whose back is to the camera. The background includes trees and people in the distance. The sides of the image have a textured, grungy overlay.

To Be An African American Abortion Clinic Escort

Travis shares his experience as a Black abortion clinic escort, revealing the unique challenges faced at the intersection of race and reproductive justice in the Deep South.

By Travis Jackson


What I am about to share is what it’s like as a black / African American abortion clinic escort in the Deep South, based off my personal experiences. For seven years (June 2015 – June 2022), I have had the honor of conducting Reproductive Justice (RJ) along with many superb reproductive clinic escorts and healthcare providers.


Even though we are currently living in the Dobbs (Post-Roe) Era, I am still in profound thinking mode towards several reality checks while black in Amerikkka. Note: If you think sharing my experiences is hostile, then think about how living in a racially hostile state and country feels as a black, indigenous, and person of color. CHECK YOUR WHITE PRIVILEGE!!!


What it is like being a Black / African American abortion clinic escort as follows:

  • 1) You are still black in America. Your survival skills must always stay sharpened.
  • 2) Your complexion of rejection or dark skin will be the sole reason for being racially profiled by both anti-choice and pro-choice protestors.
  • 3) There is a way higher chance of facing defamation of character or harassing communications.
  • 4) You could possibly be the sole reason for an anti-choice fraudulent lawsuit.
  • 5) If spotted by anti-choice protestors away from your reproductive clinic, then they can harshly public announce your activism.
  • 6) There is a strong possibility of being led into thinking you are loved or appreciated.
  • 7) If led into being loved or appreciated, it is more than likely for racial stereotypes only.
  • 8) If you have valuable opinions on expanding movement spaces, then you’re subjected to harsh questioning compared to white or white-passing clinic escorts.
  • 9) Also, your opinion could possibly give you the impression you were not inventive.
  • 10) You could be an automatic main gossip topic amongst anti- and pro-choice people for just being your unapologetic self.
  • 11) Your mental health will be majorly challenged and utilized in degrading your existence much more than white or white-passing pro-choice advocates.
  • 12) Reproductive health clinic patients and or companions will express deep disbelief in your clinic escorting skills compared to white or white-passing clinic escorts.
  • 13) Anti-choice and pro-choice advocates will consistently ponder your public advocacy. This will include online and public stalking.
  • 14) Having to contact multiple people to inform whether you have safely arrived at your living area and protests or rallies.
  • 15) Your non-heterosexual and gender preference will add broad harassing tactics.
  • 16) Your racial justice protests could be condemned by both anti-choice and pro-choice advocates. It will be labeled “instilling fear and discomfort in the land”, “being too extra” or “attention seeking”.
  • 17) Your news or documentary interviews will quickly become long-lasting on anti-choice websites or groups. Not to mention, several RJ activists will become very envious of your unwavering public advocacy. (Refer to #3)
  • 18) Your college education level will be viewed as “How did you afford college” instead of applauding your college and or trade graduation.
  • 19) Your own ethnicity group will call you “traitor”.
  • 20) Your own family including distant members will exclude you from their household and conversations.

–Travis