Submitted by Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates.

This morning, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned nearly 50 years of precedent by eliminating the constitutional right to abortion, stripping people of the right to control their own bodies and opening the doors for statewide abortion bans across the country. Although abortion remains safe and legal in Washington state, today’s decision will lead to an influx in out-of-state patients coming to Washington for abortion care.

The consequences of this devastating decision will fall largely on people who already face the greatest barriers to health care due to this country’s legacy of racism and discrimination, including Black, Latino, and Indigenous communities, people with low incomes, LGBTQ+ people, immigrants, and people living in rural areas.

“Make no mistake – this decision goes beyond abortion. This is about who has power over you, who has the authority to make decisions for you, and who can control your future,” said Jennifer M. Allen, CEO of Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates. “This is a dark day for our country, but our fight is far from over. The people of Washington should know that Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates will always fight for you, and we will not back down. Generations before us have fought tirelessly to gain and protect our rights. Now it’s our turn to pick up the mantle.”

Rebecca Gibron, CEO of Planned Parenthood Great Northwest, Hawai‘i, Indiana, Kentucky said, “It is my promise to every person in Washington that Planned Parenthood will never back down. We will keep fighting with everything we’ve got to ensure that everyone can access the care you need to control your body and your life. I want to be clear: Planned Parenthood will always be here to help you get the care you need. Abortion remains safe and legal in Washington, and our health centers are open and ready to provide you care.”

Planned Parenthood’s health centers in Washington look forward to welcoming patients from across the country whose home-state lawmakers have made it impossible to access critical health care services. Anyone who needs care should go to abortionfinder.org or call 1-800-230-7526. Patient navigators are ready to help.