Innocent

I came to South Florida from an urban medical practice in the North. Three years later, I am still surprised by many things. Mango trees, royal palms, egrets, ibises, and pelicans are commonplace. A fly-by of squawking green parrots is a treat.

One big difference is how my neighbors experience poverty. Here, people who don't have a car are poor in a way that could not be imagined in New York City. You have to wait until a neighbor can drive you for your food, toiletries, medical visits, anything at all. Or, in 80- to 90-degree weather, you must walk or bicycle a long way, or wait at the bus stop without shade. If there is nobody to watch your children, you bring them with you. You try not to leave them home alone.

My friends and I volunteer as escorts at a women's health center. This is necessary because, every Saturday morning, antiabortion protesters stand outside the clinic for 2 or 3 hours. Some pray. Some hold signs. Even in the heat, some hold their …