Hospital board continues birthing services

COLFAX — Whitman Hospital and Medical will continue to offer obstetrics services while working with the state to meet abortion requirements.

In the public Whitman County Hospital District Commission meeting last night, Wednesday, March 20, four commissioners voted to continue obstetric services. Commissioner Kathy Wride abstained from the vote.

The meeting took place in the administrative annex at the hospital. Only about 10 people were allowed; many of those seats were occupied by hospital employees, forcing the public outside. A hospital employee blocked the door, preventing anyone who did not previously sign up from entering.

The decision follows two previous meetings on the topic. Last month, commissioners voted to “pause” obstetrics to avoid having to offer elective abortions in accordance with state law. Then earlier this month, commissioners rescinded that decision, allowing for birthing services to continue.

Last night, board Vice-President Michele Beckmann moved to continue birthing operations at Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics.

During the meeting, board President Georgie Leinweber said the community or hospital staff didn’t understand the previous decisions.

Rep. Joe Schmick, R-Colfax, spoke during the board meeting.

He said the hospital can continue birthing services if it works with other organizations, like Planned Parenthood and Washington State University clinics in Pullman, to comply with the Reproductive Privacy Act.

The act governs patient privacy while also mandating abortion services.

The discussion of the subject stems from a Nov. 22 letter state Attorney General Robert “Bob” Ferguson, which said the hospital must be in compliance with the act by December if it is to continue birthing services. That means the hospital would have to allow for elective abortion services.

Rep. Schmick said the local hospital is not the only one to receive a letter.

See more coverage in next week's issue of the Whitman County Gazette.