Washington State Makes Largest Investment in Abortion Services in Recent Memory

On Sunday, April 23, the Washington state legislature finalized the state budgets, resulting in the largest investment in abortion services in recent memory. Providing over $21 million for abortion care and grants to safety net abortion providers, the funding provided by the state will fund care for out-of-state abortion patients, sorely needed workforce investments and security grants. 

“Our legislators are meeting this critical moment when Washingtonians need it most with a historical investment in abortion care, and we could not be more proud of their tireless efforts,” said Washington State Director Courtney Normand at Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates. “The stakes have never been higher for patients who depend on our dauntless abortion providers. This funding means that our state will remain a place where people from across the country can access needed medical services. ”

Planned Parenthood has seen unprecedented numbers of out-of-state patients as a growing number of states ban the procedure. On top of this, like other health care providers, abortion providers are struggling with significant workforce shortages, facing a 25 percent vacancy rate in patient-facing positions while simultaneously facing increased demand for services — an issue that will be tremendously helped with this additional funding. 

With more patients traveling to Washington to access care, additional investments in proven hiring and retention strategies, such as signing and retention bonuses, loan forgiveness, and childcare stipends will mean we can attract medical talent to Washington state.

Additionally, while providers are facing increased patient volumes and staffing shortages, we are simultaneously dealing with growing security threats. We expect this issue to worsen in the coming months and years as anti-abortion groups turn their efforts towards states where abortion remains legal. Security grants for Washington’s safety net abortion providers will help ensure quality security infrastructure, staffing, and training to fortify our health centers as security concerns grow.

Please join us in thanking the following representatives for their work in this effort: Gov. Inslee, Sen. Rolfes, Sen. Robinson, Rep. Ormsby, Rep. Macri, Rep. Riccelli, and Rep. Mena. 

While we know this funding will go a long way in our fight to protect patients and providers in Washington, we know there’s more work to be done. We look forward to doing that alongside our dedicated staff and volunteers.