Zahilay introduces motion to reaffirm reproductive rights, convenes expert panel to highlight impact of state, federal cuts

May 7, 2025

In response to alarming federal and state cuts to reproductive health funding, King County Council Chair Girmay Zahilay on Wednesday introduced a motion to reaffirm the County's commitment to reproductive rights and take immediate steps to protect local access to care.

“King County has to be a stronghold for reproductive freedom, especially when it’s under direct attack from the federal government,” Zahilay said. “The recent state-level budget cuts are devastating too, and together, all of this means real people are losing access to the care they need. This is a direct threat to the health, autonomy, and dignity of thousands of people in our region.”

As part of this response, Zahilay has also convened a panel during the May 14 Budget and Fiscal Management Committee meeting to hear directly from reproductive health leaders about the impact of these funding losses on patients, providers, and communities. Panelists will include:

• Mercedes Sanchez, Executive Director of Cedar River Clinics
• Lisa Humes-Schulz, Vice President of Policy at Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates
• Gabbi Nazari, Government Relations Director at Pro-Choice Washington

The speakers will detail how recent funding cuts are impacting care on the ground—through staff shortages, rising patient demand, and the risk of clinic closures—and will help guide the County’s response to this escalating crisis.

“With daily attacks from the Trump Administration on abortion access and reproductive health, now more than ever we need state and local leaders to take bold action for the rights of patients and providers. That’s why it was so disappointing to see state legislators vote for the largest cut to abortion access in state history last month. These cuts will have devastating impacts across King County and the state, on top of steep federal Title X funding cuts and the looming threat of attacks on Medicaid.” said Lisa Humes-Schulz, Vice President of Policy for Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates. “We are thankful to Councilmember Zahilay for drawing attention to these cuts and other attempts to deprive patients of the essential health care services they need, and for King County’s commitment to supporting Planned Parenthood and other abortion providers across the region.”

The motion follows a series of troubling developments at both the federal and state level. Nationally, Title X funds that support reproductive health care for underserved populations have been frozen, and staffing cuts have hit critical agencies such as the CDC’s Division of Reproductive Health.

At the state level, the Washington State Legislature approved a final biennial budget that includes an $8.5 million cut to the Abortion Access Project, amounting to a staggering 55% reduction and the largest cut to abortion access in state history. These cuts come at a time when Washington providers are seeing a 23% increase in patients in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision. Without adequate funding, providers will be forced to scale back staffing, absorb rising patient costs without support, and potentially close clinics, placing essential care further out of reach for thousands across the state.

"State funding cuts to the Abortion Access Project will result in clinics reducing services, limiting their hours, or closing altogether. This will put patients' lives at risk," said Sami Alloy, Executive Director of Pro-Choice Washington. "At a time when the federal government is slashing funding for reproductive health services and gender affirming care, we cannot afford to go backwards. It is essential for King County to protect abortion access so that we can continue to serve as a national leader for reproductive freedom and a sanctuary for patients seeking care."

While the state faces structural budget challenges, advocates argue that lawmakers had other options. By choosing not to reform the state’s regressive tax code, the legislature shifted the financial burden onto patients and providers, deepening existing inequities in access to care.

"Following the state budget cut, we are deeply concerned about the future of abortion care in our state," said Mercedes Sanchez, Executive Director of Cedar River Clinics. "As always, the harm will disproportionately impact marginalized and underserved communities. Safety net providers, like Cedar River Clinics and Planned Parenthood, cannot effectively address one of the biggest human and healthcare crises in our country’s history without adequate support. Washington’s progressive abortion policies hold no value without sustainable clinics. People cannot actualize their reproductive rights without access to care. We thank the King County Council for their important motion that aligns with our commitment to ensure Washington State stays true to its history and promise of a safe haven for reproductive rights and healthcare, not just in words but with meaningful access for all."

Zahilay’s motion reaffirms King County’s support for reproductive freedom, expresses concern over these unprecedented cuts, and commits the County to working with providers and advocates to assess needs and explore funding solutions while recognizing the County’s own structural budget challenges.

The May 14 panel will be a key step in shaping the County’s path forward and ensuring that those most affected have a seat at the table.