Shaila Ittycheria

ALT Every person must have the right to control their own body. What happens to one's own body is a fundamental right, including whether and when to have children, or not have children. Nearly 1 in 4 people who can become pregnant will have an abortion in their lifetime. It is a very common and safe medical procedure. The reversal of Roe v. Wade means that each state can decide whether or not abortion will remain legal in their own state. It's legal here and King County welcomes all people who need abortion services, no matter where they live. Current and historic racism create barriers for people of color to access all health services. We are concerned that the Supreme Court decision will impact people of color more severely, based on how racism has created barriers to all forms of health care, including preventive screenings.

ALT We anticipate increasing numbers of people from other states will be forced to seek care here due to bans in their home state, which could lead to longer waits for appointments in King County, as well as increased costs for local providers. To prevent delays in access to quality reproductive health care, including equitable access to abortion care, King County Executive Constantine has announced a new $500,000 emergency fund to cover emerging needs, such as legal costs, expanding provider capacity, or abortion clinic safety; and proposed $500,000 in financial support for Northwest Abortion Access Fund, which helps people who need to travel to King County for an abortion. To combat misinformation, Public Health is working to increase awareness in the public and among health-care providers of what abortion services are available, where to go, and the options for covering the costs. Learn more at kingcounty.gov/abortion.

ALT Public Health has a long and strong history of promoting control of one's body and access to abortion and other reproductive health services. King County has high rates of contraception use, widespread clinics that provide reproductive health services, nationally recognized sexual health education, and ongoing coordination with abortion providers. In support of our mission to eliminate health inequities and maximize opportunities for every person to thrive, we will continue to promote the right to control of one's own body and have meaningful, equitable abortion access.