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.