While nearly half of U.S. states could ban abortion if Roe v. Wade has just been knocked down, the state of Washington in southern British Columbia is already positioned as an oasis for anyone wishing to end their pregnancy. But is he ready for the influx it might cause? In Bellingham, a town 89 km from Vancouver, the response is being adjusted.
We are getting readylaunched Linda McCarthy, general manager of Planned Parenthood Mt. Bakera family planning clinic, in Bellingham.
If the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision is to overturn Roe v. Wade, a 385% influx of women from other states will travel to Washington state for abortion, according to the Guttmacher Institute for Reproductive Rights.
We may not be able to meet everyone’s needs.regretted Linda McCarthy.
Linda McCarthy added that an increase in the number of clients would mean an increase in waiting time to see a provider.
We’re all worried about it, because it’s a service with specific timeframes, with dates for [pouvoir prendre] medicines, for [pouvoir subir un] abortion, how long you can access these services. And the same with surgical services, depending on location.
It will take a lot of work to meet the needs of the peoplehe continued.
Obstacles for insecure and racialized women
Linda McCarthy also fears that travel costs and time will be an obstacle for women in dangerous situations who want to terminate their pregnancy.
” Their policies will be deadly for some people who deliberately cannot get the care they need. “
For example, in Idaho, nearby Washington State, the average trip to see a provider is approximately 34 km. In the event of an annulment of Roe v. Wade, it’s been almost 10 times the trip.
If you’re poor, you may not be able to rest for two days, or you may not be able to afford a night in a hotel.
Bellingham Councilor Kristina Michèle Martens argues that the return to the rights of 50 -year -old women will primarily have a detrimental effect on minority women.
They are mainly affected by the lack of resources, the lack of access to anything as small as a grocery basket. Which obviously will have a huge impact when it comes to trying to raise a child without any support when they are born..
Strengthen state laws to maintain this right for all
Despite the fear of not helping all the women of the neighboring states, the counter-attack is preparing.
On his side, Planned Parenthood Mt. Baker is working to expand its team: one person is being trained and another should be picked up soon, according to Linda McCarthy.
We are committed to opening up greater access for people so that we can meet the needs of those coming from outside.
For its part, Washington State has strengthened Reproductive Privacy Act in its last legislative session. This law increases the number of providers that can conduct pregnancy termination in Washington State.
We have expanded the number of providers that can perform abortions to include nurse practitioners, physician assistants and other categories.explained Linda McCarthy.
Other rights at risk?
Melisa McGrath started the protest outside Bellingham Courthouse following the release of the draft on U.S. site Politico.
Everything we have based on our ideas of privacy is at riskhe said, adding the fear that other rights might be in doubt if the judgment is overturned.
Gay marriage, everything you do in the privacy of your home or your bedroom. These are the things we should be vigilant about because it is an erosion of our rights that will not stop there.he says.
Melisa McGrath said more protests are planned. We will continue to focus on these issues and ensure that all the progress made over the past 20 years is irreversible.
He added that it is also necessary to maintain frequent communication with politicians to create a law that is more difficult to reverse for the benefit of future generations.
Source: Radio-Canada
