For the Reporter
The Washington State Senate passed a resolution condemning violence against women’s health care clinics on Thursday.
Citing recent attacks on health care providers in Pullman and Colorado Springs, Colo., the resolution declares that all people in Washington should be able to access health care without fear of violence, intimidation or harassment.
“This kind of violence is meant to instill fear,” said Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, sponsor of the resolution. “No one should have to live with the fear of violence in a civil society that upholds the rule of law, but unfortunately that’s not always true for providers of health care for women at Planned Parenthood clinics.
“We must have full and open discussions about topics on which we disagree in order to shine light on the facts, rebut false claims, and not allow a climate of fear to overtake us.
“Health outlets should be places of service and care, not intimidation and violence. Health providers at our state’s reproductive health centers are heroes, and I hope with this resolution we offer a bit of sunshine and honor them for their courage, conviction and care for their patients.”
On Monday, Feb. 1, the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee will hear Sen. Keiser’s Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (SB 6149) providing reasonable accommodations for pregnant women in the workforce.
Talk to us
Please share your story tips by emailing editor@kentreporter.com.
To share your opinion for publication, submit a letter through our website https://www.kentreporter.com/submit-letter/. Include your name, address and daytime phone number. (We’ll only publish your name and hometown.) Please keep letters to 300 words or less.
