Hospital speaks with Planned Parenthood on compliance

COLFAX — Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics met with Planned Parenthood on Wednesday, May 22, to discuss plans moving forward on compliance with the Reproductive Privacy Act.

During the Wednesday, May 15 meeting Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics Vice President Michelle Beckmann said that the compliance committee had met that morning, scheduling a meeting with Planned Parenthood.

Beckmann stated that the meeting with Planned Parenthood would result in a presentation to be given to the state by the next regular meeting, set for June 19.

“Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics is hoping to partner with Planned Parenthood to create a seamless and warm handoff of patients requesting abortion services,” said Whitman Hospital and Medical Clinics Manager of Administration Services, Laurie Gronning.

The meeting to make plans to comply with state law in regards to the Reproductive Privacy Act stems from a letter received from State Attorney General Robert “Bob” Ferguson, dated Nov. 22, requesting compliance with the law by December if birthing services are to be continued.

According to Ferguson’s letter, the state was notified that the district is not meeting its obligations under the Reproductive Privacy Act, Revised Code of Washington 9.02.100.

The law says the “right of privacy with respect to personal reproductive decisions” is a “fundamental right.”

“The Reproductive Privacy Act mandates that if the state provides maternity care benefits, services, or information to patients through any program administered or funded in whole or in part by the state, the state shall also provide patients with substantially equivalent benefits, services, or information to permit them to voluntarily terminate their pregnancy, RCW 9.02.160,” the letter said.

In a special meeting held by the board on March 6, board members allowed the public to speak about the possible closure of the hospital’s OB services.

During the board’s regular March 20 meeting, four commissioners voted to continue obstetric services, with an abstain from Commissioner Kathy Wride.

Rep. Joe Schmick spoke during the March 20 meeting, stating that the hospital could work with other organizations, like Planned Parenthood and Washington State University clinics in Pullman to comply with the Reproductive Privacy Act.