Germantown Summer of Choice 2011

Operation Rescue prompted pro-choice advocates from around the country to get together and realize how strong we actually are, an invaluable realization at a time of unprecedented legislative attacks on a woman's fundamental right to control whether, when and how she might have children. What we need is to stand together more often, and in the streets.

They may deny it, but anti-choicers know exactly what they are doing to incite violence against doctors.

Follow Jodi Jacobson on Twitter, @jljacobson

Yesterday and this morning, I spent several hours assisting with clinic defense in Germantown, Maryland, where Dr. LeRoy Carhart comes several times a month to see patients who need late abortion care. The misogyny, naivete and invasiveness of the anti-choice movement were on full display.

Follow Jodi Jacobson on Twitter, @jljacobson

Photos of activists converging in Germantown, MD to support Dr. Leroy Carhart and oppose Operation Rescue.

Here's a scene from Germantown, Maryland, where hundreds of clinic defenders have been gathering to peacefully protect the clinic where Dr. LeRoy Carhart will provide care to women in need of late abortions. Troy Newman, President of Operation Rescue, calls a pregnant woman, "bitch."

Follow Jodi Jacobson on Twitter, @jljacobson

In just one dinner at a random restaurant having greasy food and a couple of beers we scratched the surface of the potential that exists.

What happens on the front lines of Dr. Carhart's clinic for this week is extremely important – but what comes out of it is perhaps even more critical.

About 220 people "Walked for Choice" on Sunday July 31 in the beastly Maryland sun in support of Dr. Leroy Carhart.  Spirits were high...