Originally I set out to document the opening of an abortion clinic in Post-Roe America, but the project evolved into something more emotionally resonant. Following the Dobbs decision in 2022, through 2023, I witnessed the bonds formed between the staff and patients that transcended the traditional healthcare dynamic at Partners in Abortion Care, a Maryland clinic specializing in later-stage abortion. I am the first photographer to gain access to documenting this increasingly inaccessible, intensive three-day procedure.
As access to abortion diminished or even became impossible in some states, this clinic flourished and acted as a reminder of what healthcare could be. The compassion exchanged between patients and medical professionals was a moving testament to their resilience and empathy. Despite Supreme Court cases and protests like the March for Life happening outside the walls of the clinic, inside, intimate connections were forged between people coming together to overcome personal, emotional, and physical hurdles: staff with patients, staff with staff, and patients with patients.
By chronicling the clinic’s everyday workings, my focus expanded beyond the medical realm to something more, unveiling an unconventional love story that surpasses the political landscape. Here, care was paramount. I witnessed love for patients, love among staff, love despite grieving, love for bodily autonomy, and love beyond polarized political sides. The usual power dynamics of the medical office were upended and instead patience, listening, and respect were centralized. With these photographs, I share these untold stories of individuals navigating a complex journey with grace and resilience. This project illuminates the unwavering spirit of those dedicated to preserving reproductive rights while fostering a deeper understanding of the love that sustains and strengthens communities in challenging times.
