Although the Supreme Court’s decision does not affect abortion services provided in Washington, which are protected under state law, several abortion service providers said Friday that they are bracing for an influx of patients.
“It’s essential health care,” said Kia Guarino, executive director of Pro-Choice Washington.
“We will see a surge in patients coming across the border from Idaho and from other states,” said Jennifer Allen, CEO of Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates.
“We’ll be seeing an increase of 385 percent, which is a lot of people,” said Dr. Anuj Khattar who works at Cedar River Clinics, which has offices in Tacoma, Renton, downtown Seattle and Yakima, and has provided first- and second trimester abortions for more than 40 years. “On a regular day, we see anywhere from 20 to 40 patients.
“Imagine that being increased significantly," he said. "People will have to start waiting for appointments if we have to start accommodating people from out of state.”
Khattar said he has seen an increase in patient visits to his clinic with people traveling from Idaho, Texas and other Southern states.
“Most of the patients are pretty devastated that they have to travel so far to receive the care that they need,” Khattar said.
Providers are taking extra measure to prepare for the surge of new patients.
“We recently reopened our Yakima location so we are hoping to provide some services there,” Khattar said
Cedar River Clinics says it’s also hiring more staff and asking for more donations and funding to help those who need to travel to Washington state to seek treatment.
Planned Parenthood Alliance advocates say their clinics are also bracing for an influx.
“Idaho’s ban goes into effect 30 days from now. That’s what their law says," Allen said. "We’ll do everything to keep them safe."
“States like Washington and others that have codified the right to abortion will see patients in astronomical numbers and will be needing to prepare ourselves to do so,” Guarino said. “The Guttmacher Institute estimates a nearly 400% increase in Washington state. That’s a conservative estimate. So, we do expect patients to come here and we need to be ready to receive them for care.”