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.

The Associated Press recently reported on the post-Roe impact on Native Americans, telling the story of one individual’s nine-hour trip to access safe abortion services after South Dakota changed their state laws. The news group has also reported on possible bans or new restrictions on abortion services in South Carolina.

This patchwork of state laws and various restrictions on access to abortion services puts a strain on health care providers in states with less prescriptive laws. It also puts an incredible financial burden on individuals traveling long distances to access these services, particularly low-income and underserved populations.

Whatever view residents hold on the issue, Access Walk is about supporting individuals in their personal choice to access information on options and ensure financial support for access to safe abortion services.

Access Walk plans to fill this financial need by raising funds through an annual walk event. The inaugural Access Walk event will take place on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at Volunteer Park in Seattle, with all funds donated to organizations that provide access to safe abortion services.