Second annual Access Walk event kicks off registration April 16 at Future Primitive Brewing in Alki
All funds raised will be donated to local clinics to support travel expenses for individuals traveling to access abortion services in Washington state
SEATTLE, Wash. – After the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in the Dobbs case in June 2022, Jeff, Paula and Madeline Pyatt hosted the first-ever Access Walk event in Seattle last fall. The second annual Access Walk Seattle, which takes place Saturday, Sept. 14, at Volunteer Park, will again raise funds to support travel expenses for individuals seeking abortion services in Washington state.
“We’re seeing states like Arizona affirming laws that take us back to the 1800s, when abortion was illegal in nearly all circumstances,” said Jeff Pyatt. “And they’re not alone. Many states, like Idaho, are rolling back reproductive rights, forcing individuals to travel long distances to states like Washington to exercise their personal freedoms, including the freedom to make healthcare choices with their doctors, partners and families.”
He added that Access Walk will donate 100% of the funds raised by walkers support individuals who need assistance with costs associated with travel, like accommodations, fuel, meals and other expenses.
“For us as a family – as a community – this is event is about affirming the right of everyone to have equal access to reproductive care, regardless of their background or financial means,” he said.
The inaugural event, held last September, raised $100,000 that was granted to Cedar River Clinics of Washington. This year’s grant recipients will be determined when all grant applications have been submitted.
For those who would like to walk with the Access Walk team but can’t make it to Seattle, walkers will have a remote option. Individuals can donate directly or sign up to volunteer on the day of the event.
Registration for the event opened April 16.
2024 Event Details
What: Second annual Access Walk event to raise funds to help individuals forced to travel long distances to access safe abortion services pay for lodging, food, gas and other travel expenses.
Date and Location
- Saturday, Sept. 14
- 2-7 p.m. – the walk begins at 4 p.m.
- Access Walk will take place at Volunteer Park in Seattle
Visuals: The event will feature vendors and advocacy groups as well as feature local groups that advocate for reproductive rights. Last year, more than 200 walkers registered, and more than 30 teams participated.
Interview opportunities and event attendance: Pre-event, post-event and on-site interviews with the Pyatt family and advocacy groups. Reach out to Bobbi Cussins at 360.280.1679 or bobbi@accesswalk.org to schedule an interview and to RSVP to attend the event along with any needs you will have while onsite.
About ACCESS WALK
Access Walk has one goal: To offer financial support to regional organizations that provide access to safe abortion services. Organizations providing this service typically have minimal staffing and financial resources, and face challenges when attempting to raise funds to support individuals’ travel and lodging expenses to access their services.
Access Walk’s founders believe finances should not be a barrier to access to safe abortion services. While numbers are still coming in, there is anecdotal evidence that individuals from other states are traveling to Washington state to seek access to abortion services. This puts a strain on state providers as well as has financial impacts for those seeking the services, particularly low-income and underserved populations.
Media Contact: Bobbi Cussins, 360.280.1679, media@accesswalk.org