The clinic before the attack.
The clinic before the attack. Courtesy of Planned Parenthood

A week ago, a Planned Parenthood clinic in Pullman was the victim of a terrorist arson attack. Sadly, this was not a surprise. "We are immensely grateful no one was injured in the fire, but make no mistake; this was an act of violence," Joy Peltier, vice president of development for Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho, wrote in an email.

"Police haven’t found the perpetrator(s) behind this act of violence. But what we do know is the extremists who protest us regularly and who rallied outside of our health centers on August 22 aren’t just against safe and legal abortion—they’re against condoms, birth control, medically-accurate sex education and a woman’s right to control her own body."

As you probably already know, Planned Parenthood is under particular attack right now, as some House Republicans (all men, surprise) are threatening to shut down the government if Planned Parenthood isn't defunded.

"Violence like this is an attempt to bully and intimidate, and ultimately control the lives of women," wrote Peltier. "We will not allow this act of violence to stand in the way of patient care. That is why our focus over the next weeks and months will be to continue providing the essential health care services the Pullman community needs with as little disruption as possible."

Fire burned through the suspended ceiling. According to Peltier, The attacker broke a window and threw in a firebomb, producing flames so hot it melted surfaces and fixtures throughout the entire building.
Fire burned through the suspended ceiling. According to Peltier, "The attacker broke a window and threw in a firebomb, producing flames so hot it melted surfaces and fixtures throughout the entire building." Courtesy of Planned Parenthood

With your immediate donations, Pullman Planned Parenthood plans to offer a "pop-up" health clinic. Their ultimate goal is to raise $250,000 to get the center back up and running in early 2016. Here's the breakdown of how that money will be used:

• Insurance deductible to rebuild health center - $100,000
• Security enhancements - $50,000
• Four months of Planned Parenthood health care services from a temporary location - $100,000

Whatever you can do to help them out would be greatly appreciated. As special thanks to Slog readers, we'll be giving away prizes such as gift certificates to local restaurants and tickets to events. To be eligible, donate here (note: this is a special donation link just for Slog readers), forward us your emailed donation receipt, and tell us why funding Planned Parenthood is important in 100 words or less. The five best reasons win!

The deadline is Friday, September 25, at noon. The winners will be announced right after 5 p.m. that day, right here on Slog. Email us your receipt at charity@thestranger.com. Thank you thank you thank you.

The ceiling and a burned-out television mounted to the wall.
The ceiling and a burned-out television mounted to the wall. Courtesy of Planned Parenthood