UW Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Family Medicine release statement on abortion

Statement

The University of Washington Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Family Medicine firmly support access to abortion services, an essential medical intervention for people in need, offering them choices that maximize their health and dignity in the control of their own bodies and lives. The denial of access to abortion services worsens inequities and is a threat to the dignity of all of us.

In keeping with our vision and mission, the UW Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Family Medicine have provided abortion care for decades, as one part of routine, full-spectrum women’s healthcare.

In addition, UW is proud to have long-offered training in abortion and contraception for all learners. We remain committed to providing this training at all levels of medical education and believe that such training is critical for those who hope to safely care for people who can become pregnant.

In the wake of the overturning of Roe v. Wade, abortion access remains legal in Washington. However, people living in an estimated 26 states are now, or soon will be, without in-state access to abortion. Black and Brown people and those socially or financially disadvantaged who can’t travel to another state for abortion disproportionately bear the brunt of this restriction.

The UW Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Family Medicine are poised to be safe places for abortion care in the United States. We respect autonomy, privacy and the physician/patient relationship. We affirm our unwavering commitment to abortion care and affirm our commitment to being leaders in full-spectrum pregnancy care and education for our patients and learners.