When Did We Have To Start Praying for Access To Healthcare?

I still remember my first job out of college. I was newly returned to Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a degree in psychology, looking to impact the field of female reproductive health. I saw that they were beginning construction on the first Planned Parenthood in Baton Rouge. I walked up to the clinic door, knocked, and said, "What can I do to help?" I started as a volunteer painting the walls of the clinic, and over the following two decades, transitioned to family planning expert, outreach coordinator, HIV counselor, and eventually board member.

Planned Parenthood was one of the first places to do HIV testing, and I recall the first person I had to inform of a positive diagnosis. He identified as a heterosexual, Christian man. I remember holding his hand as I told him, and he then asked me, "What is your religion?" I answered him that I was Jewish. He took a pause, sighed, and said, "Well, you are the Chosen People. Tell me, what do I do now?" I remember smiling at his attempt to bring levity to the situation and replying, "Tell your partner, and tell your pastor." I was twenty-two, and we thought I was delivering a death sentence. He asked if we could pray. We then prayed together - to Jesus Christ on my patient's terms.

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