Today we’d like to introduce you to Jane, Hayley SWAN.
Hi Jane, Hayley, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Stand With Abortion Now (SWAN) of Orlando is a grassroots clinic escorts and abortion access organization that began in the wake of the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in June 2022. The goal of SWAN has always been to protect access to abortion and the well being of those in need of abortion services. Through fundraising on social media SWAN was able to save our local clinic and our sister clinics in South Florida from closure. We work with one of the only free-standing independent abortion clinics within the greater Orlando area for 3 years. There are volunteers at our clinic 6 days a week helping patients who need access to this care and making their experience more bearable by blocking them from the protesters who seek to harass them.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
This work is never a smooth road and obstacles are plenty, but as an organization made up of dedicated community members who care, we always get the work done. When fines and fees threatened the closure of our clinic, we were able to fundraise online to keep the lights on and the doors open. We even raised enough to save other clinics in South Florida from the threat of closure as well. Beyond the large obstacles are the every day, we have antagonistic protesters who seek to harass patients seeing care 6 days a week. Our volunteers face them boldly and help protect patients from the vile, often misogynistic, and sometimes violent harassment from these protesters. On top of all that, Florida’s draconian 6 week abortion ban has made accessing care incredibly difficult for patients.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
SWAN is extremely proud of the number of patients who have been able to access vitally necessary healthcare because of our organization. We are so proud to be out at the clinic blocking protesters every day and making the process that much easier for each and every patient.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What makes me happy and drives me to do the work each day I’m at the clinic is knowing I’m helping members of my community access care that they need. The driving force behind work like this is an intense care for people and community and I care so much about the local Orlando community I want everyone in it to be safe and cared for. By escorting patients at the clinic I know I’m doing my part by making them feel safer to get care.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://swanoforlando.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swanofcentralfl?igsh=MWtrNW1namR2cmczbA==
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@swanoforlando?_t=ZP-8xkwxd2DFU7&_r=1
