Protesters oppose firing of NH teacher for allegedly taking student for abortion services – NBC Boston

At a rally in New Hampshire on the anniversary of the Dobbs decision that struck down Roe V. Wade's abortion protections, advocates condemned the controversial firing of an Amherst teacher.

The teacher, who worked at the Regional Education and Service Center, a special education school, was accused of taking a student for abortion services.

The school would not share details of the alleged incident with NBC10 Boston, but said all parents have been notified.

“I empathize with any student who finds themselves in a situation where they have to make big decisions about their health care and don't feel like they can turn to their parents,” said Sarah Sadowski of Concord.

At a crowded reproductive rights event in Concord on Monday, many spoke out in support of the teacher, saying she was in a difficult situation.

“I feel like the teacher was just doing what he felt, as a human being, and putting his job at risk,” Maryrose Wainaina said. “As a student, you go to your teachers because you trust them.

“This is way above his salary, to begin with, and a student should not be in this situation,” added Sriyam Rimal. “We need a better support system.”

A report from the New Hampshire Department of Education says the teacher admitted to faking a sick day to take the student for a medical procedure. It also indicates that the teacher assured that she had discussed with the student for more than two weeks the options and the search for a safe establishment.

State Education Commissioner Frank Edelbut sounded the alarm in an article published earlier this year, referencing the teacher's alleged behavior during the incident.

Counterprotesters at Monday night's pro-choice event in Concord were also vocal.

“The teacher should not take care of them and take these children to these clinics,” said Margaret Svedsen. “Medical procedures? You can't give a child aspirin at school, and yet you can take them to have an abortion, which can lead to complications, and not tell their parents? No .”

“I think the teacher should be fired, and I don’t think she should ever get a job again,” continued Svedsen, who was holding an anti-abortion sign.

Documents shared by the Department of Education show the teacher's license and certification are valid pending the results of the investigation. The identity of this teacher has not been revealed.