For many decades in the late 20th and early 21st century, abortion remained hotly contested in the United States. Many women who sought Planned Parenthood services were met by abortion-right opponents and were subject to abuse and appeals. However, a nonviolent tactic used to protect and support women who sought abortions is known as a protective presence. Volunteers assisted patients from their cars to the clinic, while protecting the patients’ privacy and shielding them from the outside noise. This protective presence allowed women to be greeted with a smiling face and have full support.