WHEREAS, All Washington residents seeking health care have the right to access their provider of choice without fear of violence or intimidation; and

WHEREAS, Between June 2015 and December 2015, arson, vandalism, threats, and harassment have increased at health centers for women, including:

(1) A firebombing at a women's health center in Pullman, Washington in September 2015; and

(2) An attack by a gunman at a women's health center in Colorado Springs, Colorado on November 27, 2015, resulting in the tragic death of three individuals and injury of another nine people; and

WHEREAS, Extreme rhetoric can contribute to a climate that is dangerous for those who provide or access comprehensive women's health care services; and

WHEREAS, A high proportion of people of color rely on reproductive health centers and are therefore disproportionately impacted by attacks on centers that provide these health care services; and

WHEREAS, 3,000 patients had their access to health care threatened as the clinic in Pullman, Washington was forced to spend a quarter-million dollars on six months of rebuilding after having their facility firebombed; and

WHEREAS, The right of citizens to make their own health care decisions is well established;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate condemn acts of violence against women's health care clinics and providers, and their patients, families, and supporters; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That all people in Washington state should be able to access health care without fear of violence, intimidation, or harassment.

I, Hunter G. Goodman, Secretary of the Senate,

do hereby certify that this is a true and

correct copy of Senate Resolution 8699,

adopted by the Senate

January 28, 2016

HUNTER G. GOODMAN

Secretary of the Senate