These patient stories are inspired by real-life interviews and conversations with providers and patients who have received abortion services in Washington.
Despite abortion being legal in Washington state, these stories illustrate the various barriers and real life consequences many patients face while accessing abortion care.
Each patient story includes a Patient Resources section with information and links that you can use to get more help if you find yourself in a similar situation.
Jamie
Jamie is a 37-year old nurse and mother in Pullman, Washington. Her insurance plan doesn’t cover abortions or provide referrals to abortion clinics.
Araceli
Araceli is an undocumented farm worker who recently arrived to work a seasonal job in Grant County. She doesn’t know how she can travel to a clinic or pay for her abortion.
Meihong
Meihong is a 42-year old mother and wife living in the South Seattle area. Meihong is worried about her appointment to get an abortion because English isn’t her first language.
Haley
Haley is a 30-year old mother and member of a tribe in the Pacific Northwest. She knows that the Indian Health Service won’t cover the cost of her abortion.
Tana
Tana is a 17-year old high school student who identifies as non-binary. They are worried about using their parent’s insurance to pay for the abortion in case their parents find out.
Kat
Kat is a 24-year old unhoused mother of three in Seattle. She doesn’t have insurance and doesn’t want to be judged or criminalized by providers for her drug use.
Lauren
Lauren is a newlywed who just moved to Idaho where abortion is banned. At a prenatal screening appointment, she finds out her pregnancy is nonviable.
