Outside of reproductive health clinics, patients are bombarded by pro-life protesters, Crisis Pregnancy Center staffers, and aggressive evangelical church members using graphic posters and bullhorns. Standing on the frontlines are clinic escorts, ensuring the safety of patients seeking basic and, in some cases, life-saving healthcare. Using peaceful non-engagement tactics, they use their bodies to protect patients from protesters’ abuse. Human Shield weaves together the story of escort team leaders Kristin, Kelsea and Jeremy, who run volunteer groups in critical areas of Ohio, North Carolina, and Maryland. Over four years, we observe each of the leaders face increased dangers at the clinic while balancing family demands, mental exhaustion and activism burnout. Will Kristin, Kelsea, and Jeremy be able to persevere as conditions around the clinics steadily rise to crisis levels? The fate of these clinics weighs on these brave and passionate volunteers, facing the newly emboldened groups Post-Roe, who want to suppress reproductive freedom by any means necessary.
