Gabby Long (she/they) is a reproductive rights advocate, mother, and healthcare storyteller. As the outreach organizer and patient advocate for A Woman’s Choice, an independent abortion provider with clinics in Florida, North Carolina, and Virginia, she plays a crucial role in providing support and resources to individuals seeking reproductive health services. Having had her own abortions, she carries her personal experience with her to guarantee that patients receive the highest quality care. With her strong commitment to women’s rights and access to healthcare, Gabby specializes in navigating the complexities of reproductive options, ensuring that abortion seekers receive accurate information and compassionate care.
Gabby has always been active in her community. She is currently a member of the National Leadership Society, WeTestify, and Floridians Protecting Freedom’s coalition (#VoteYeson4). Gabby is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment for those in need, empowering individuals to make informed decisions, promoting a broader understanding of reproductive health issues, and advocating for safe and accessible healthcare for all.
Gabby spoke to City Council on October 14, 2025:
Good evening, Mayor Cowell, Councilmembers, and staff.
My name is Gabriella Long, and I am the Outreach Organizer and Patient Advocate for A Woman’s Choice.
Like many others, I have read the proposed changes to the current noise ordinance, and I’m here tonight out of concern for what these changes could mean for our patients—people who are already facing enough challenges by the time they arrive at our facility.
From what I’ve read, there is nothing in these amendments that would limit or restrict excessive noises around noise sensitive areas such as healthcare facilities during regular operating hours. I’m not asking you to stop progress—I’m asking you to keep humanity at the center of these decisions.
Relying on inconsistent enforcement of the current ordinance has not been helpful for our patients, our staff, or the surrounding community. Excessive noise—especially unamplified shouting—continues to reach well inside our building, disrupting care and creating distress for patients in vulnerable moments. Studies have shown that high levels of noise increase stress, heart rate, and blood pressure, all of which negatively impact recovery and well-being.
This is not only a matter of comfort—it’s a public health and safety issue.
I respectfully ask the council to:
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- Recognize healthcare facilities as noise-sensitive areas within the ordinance.
- Apply the same standard to both amplified and unamplified sound within 300 feet of these facilities.
- Assign one of the proposed noise monitors to the clinic area on days when amplified sound is used.
- And ensure consistent training and enforcement by RPD officers in noise-sensitive areas.
If my statement tonight is not enough, I urge each of you to visit our facility and witness these transgressions for yourselves. Step into our patients’ shoes—hear what they hear—and experience what it’s like for them to seek care under those conditions.
These changes are not about limiting free speech—they are about protecting the health, dignity, and safety of everyone in our community.
Thank you for your time and for your continued service to the people of Raleigh.
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