Getting an abortion in Spokane, Washington is legal - but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy. While our state protects the right to choose, people still face real challenges when trying to get the care they need, especially if they’re coming from nearby states like Idaho where abortion is mostly banned.

Why abortion access is crucial

Access to abortion is fundamentally about bodily autonomy, health, and dignity. The ability to make decisions about your own body is a basic right. When people can’t get the abortion care they need, it can affect their health, their finances, and their future. No one should be forced to carry a pregnancy they’re not ready for or one that could put their health at risk.

For many people, the hardest part isn’t just making the decision - it’s figuring out how to make it happen. With out-of-state abortions having risen in the state of Washington since 2022, some have to hide their plans from unsupportive families. Others worry about missing work or losing their job. There’s the stress of finding childcare, paying for gas, or not having a safe person to talk to.

No one makes these choices without thinking about their whole situation. Including how much money they have, where they live, who supports them, and how safe they feel. And for those who already face discrimination or live paycheck to paycheck, the obstacles can be much more overwhelming.

The Guttmacher Institute mentions that this impacts marginalized communities the hardest. People of color, LGBTQ+ folks, immigrants, and people with low incomes already deal with unfair treatment in healthcare. When abortion gets harder to access, they’re often the ones who suffer the most. For these groups, the cost, distance, and stress involved can make abortion feel completely out of reach.

Abortion isn’t just about politics, it’s about basic healthcare and human dignity. In Spokane, we have strong local resources, but we need to keep supporting them so everyone has the chance to get the care they deserve, no matter where they’re from or what they can afford.

Where people can go for help

Consider supporting these organizations or sharing their information with someone who may need it.

• Planned Parenthood in Spokane offers abortion services along with other reproductive healthcare. They’ve received big donations recently to help more people get care.
• Northwest Abortion Access Fund (NWAAF) helps pay for abortion procedures, travel, and lodging for people across the region, including those coming from out of state.

For more information on this topic, including strategies for promoting equity in healthcare, please refer to reputable sources such as the American Psychological Association's resources on healthcare disparities.

Abortion access is not only a healthcare issue — it's a matter of equity. Thank you for showing up today to learn and reflect on how we can build a more just and supportive community for all.