Submitted by Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates.

Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates released a legislator sign-on letter urging Gov. Ferguson and state budget writers to restore funding to the Abortion Access Project, a lifeline for patients seeking essential reproductive health care. So far, the letter has been signed by 22 senators and 37 representatives — a majority of Democratic lawmakers — demonstrating broad legislative support for reversing devastating cuts. The letter also calls for the use of state dollars to backfill the loss of federal funds for Title X and Medicaid family planning, blocked from use at Planned Parenthood health centers.

Led by Rep. Debra Lakanoff, Rep. Lisa Parshley, and Sen. Vandana Slatter, the letter calls on Gov. Ferguson and state budget writers to undo the 55% cut made earlier this year. The loss of funding — compounded by escalating federal attacks — threatens to strip an estimated $17 million annually from Washington’s reproductive health safety net, putting patients at risk of losing access to abortion and other vital care.

“Safety net family planning providers cannot continue to serve patients at present levels without state investment, and if Washington does not take action to restore funding, health outcomes in our state will plummet…” the letter states, underscoring the need for the state to take swift action.

Statement by Courtney Normand, Washington state director, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates:

“We are heartened by the strong support from legislative leaders and urge Governor Ferguson to include a full restoration of the Abortion Access Project in his supplemental budget proposal later this year. Washington has always led in defending reproductive freedom, but leadership requires action to ensure those freedoms are truly attainable. At a time of unprecedented attacks at the federal level, our state must stand firm and protect abortion access for every Washingtonian — no matter their zip code or income.”