Tag Archives: reproductive rights

‘We will aid & abet abortion’ — Seattle responds to Supreme Court ruling with protests and ‘sanctuary city’ plans

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A message at 12th and Pine (Image: @ShoutYrAbortion)

As officials responded with anger and pledges to protect access in the city and across the state, thousands marched in downtown Seattle Friday night, with large groups gathering in Westlake and in front of the Seattle Federal Office Building following the Supreme Court ruling reversing Roe vs. Wade and eliminating the constitutional right to abortion.

The protests followed demonstrations in May including marches and rallies on Capitol Hill after the court’s decision was leaked. They come as the city is celebrating Pride with festivals, parties and celebrations on Broadway and across Pike/Pine, and the annual downtown march on Sunday. The return of longtime Pride tradition the Seattle Dyke March is slated for Saturday night.

 

State and local officials are pledging to maintain access to abortion and reproductive health services — and making preparations to be a “sanctuary” for those in need.

“The law remains unchanged in Washington state, but the threat to patient access and privacy has never been more dangerous. Even in Washington state, Republicans have introduced about 40 bills in the past six years to roll back abortion rights and access to reproductive care,” Governor Jay Inslee said in a statement Friday morning as Washington joined Oregon and California in “a Multi-State Commitment to defend access to reproductive health care, including abortion and contraceptives, and committed to protecting patients and doctors against efforts by other states to export their abortion bans to our states.”

King County Executive Dow Constantine, meanwhile, announced $1 million “in emergency funding to ensure safe access to abortion in King County.”

Seattle Mayor Bruce Harrell said his office is seeking to spend $250,000 “in efforts to expand access to reproductive health care through the Northwest Abortion Access Fund.” Continue reading →

CHS Pics | On E Madison, a spirited defense of reproductive rights

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A smaller than expected but spirited group gathered Saturday outside E Madison’s Planned Parenthood to counter ongoing demonstrations against the women’s health facility. CHS reported on the Seattle Clinic Defense actions that have come amid increasing national rhetoric against reproductive rights — though the organization that the group is trying to defend has officially discouraged counter-protests. Those who use the health services Planned Parenthood provides shouldn’t have to withstand demonstrations from outraged fundamentalists while they’re walking to and from the doctor, one clinic defender who CHS talked to about the efforts said. “Having something to do instead of just getting online has been really empowering for me,” she said. Continue reading →