SPOTLIGHT ON ABORTION CARE & REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE 

Voices From the Frontlines:
Dr. Aliye Runyan on Supporting Providers and Confronting Today’s Challenges in Abortion Care (Part 2)

Written by Araam Abboud, MS, AMSA Reproductive Health Project Intern

I had the honor of continuing my conversation with Dr. Aliye Runyan, an OB-GYN and abortion provider, to discuss the challenges and realities of abortion care today. As attacks on reproductive healthcare continue, it’s crucial to highlight the experiences of providers working on the ground. In this part of our discussion, Dr. Runyan shares her thoughts on Abortion Provider Appreciation Day, the importance of community support, and how future providers can sustain their passion and resilience in this work.

Araam: What does Abortion Provider Appreciation Day mean to you personally?

Dr. Runyan: Well, it’s actually the day after my birthday! So in a way, it feels like a little birthday present.

In all seriousness, one of my friends and I were just talking about this at a recent conference—how this day is both meaningful and, in some ways, a reminder of an unfortunate reality. It’s wonderful to be recognized, but the fact that abortion providers need a day of appreciation speaks to the amount of stigma, harassment, and attacks we face just for doing our jobs.

I am incredibly proud of the work I do, and I’m proud of my colleagues. But at the end of the day, this is simply medical care. It shouldn’t require a special day to acknowledge that. I wish everyday was a day of appreciation for abortion providers, just like every day should be a day of appreciation for healthcare workers in general. The medical profession has been under enormous strain, especially since the pandemic, and providers—especially those in abortion care and gender-affirming care—face some of the harshest attacks. Those who need healthcare the most are often the ones being targeted by these extreme bans and restrictions. We have to look out for each other.

Araam: How do you sustain your emotional resilience in this work?

Dr. Runyan: I remind myself that this is a marathon, not a sprint. I know that’s a bit of a cliché, but it’s true.

I’m naturally impatient—I want to see progress, and sometimes it feels exhausting when I think about the relatively short time I’ve been doing this compared to people who have been in the fight for multiple decades. And when I look at what has happened since 2016, or even since the Dobbs decision, it’s overwhelming. Attacks on abortion care and on science itself have escalated in ways that I don’t think any of us could have fully prepared for.

But that’s exactly why it’s important to pace yourself. Burnout is real, and I remind myself that if I want to be in this work for the long haul, I have to protect my energy. The misinformation, the political attacks, the systemic barriers—it’s a lot. But at the end of the day, abortion care is healthcare, and we have to keep saying that out loud.

Araam: How can communities better support abortion providers?

Dr. Runyan: One of the best examples I’ve seen is what a mutual aid group in Northern New Jersey has done for our clinic.

We have protesters outside every Saturday. It’s awful. One of the most aggressive ones is a man with a megaphone who yells in front of the building— we can hear him even while inside, working, providing care. On those days, a lot of our patients are in tears. No one should have to experience harassment while trying to access healthcare.

A volunteer in the community, who I believe had a background in women’s health, helped organize a local group to provide support. They secured grant funding and created a clinic escort program. Every Saturday, these volunteers are outside, helping patients get into the clinic safely. They’ve even stepped in to shield me from protesters a couple of times.

But they do more than just escorting. They also help coordinate patient transportation—getting people to and from the airport, making sure they have a way to get to their appointments. They’re incredible. These are the kinds of community efforts that make a real difference – having people show up in such tangible, compassionate ways means so much.

Araam: If you could leave one message for future abortion providers, what would it be?

Dr. Runyan: If you’re drawn to this field, even if you don’t think of yourself as an activist, there’s probably a piece of that drive inside you. And that’s a good thing.

This work isn’t just about today—it’s about the long game. It’s not a sprint, and it’s not even just a marathon—it’s a relay race. You have to pass the work off sometimes. You have to rest. You have to take care of yourself so that you can keep going.

The reality is, we might not see the wins we want within a few years. Maybe not even within our lifetimes. But the work continues, and every bit of resistance matters. That’s why protecting yourself—emotionally, mentally, physically—is just as important as fighting for this care.

It can be hard, depending on your personal situation. Some people have family members who don’t support their work. Others have to navigate professional environments that are hostile to abortion care. But setting boundaries and knowing when to step back is crucial.

I remind myself of these things every day because, honestly, it’s overwhelming. I get frustrated. I feel like we aren’t seeing enough progress. But the truth is, if we stop fighting, there’s no one left to push back. And that’s just not an option.

Thank you to Dr. Runyan for sharing her time and insights.
These conversations remind us how vital it is to keep advocating for abortion care, supporting providers, and breaking down stigma.
Hear Dr. Runyan herself @AMSAnational Instagram

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*Note: this Spotlight is included in AMSA Reproductive Health Project eNews #47: Inspiring Our Better Angels, June 7, 2024. Find the current and past issues in the AMSA Repro eNews Archive.