Around 3:30 a.m. on a Friday morning in September, arsonists attacked a Planned Parenthood clinic in Pullman. Police believe the attacker threw a flammable object through the window, but still haven’t made any arrests.
Today, after what Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho described as months of “drastic” renovations, the clinic will officially reopen.
“It was definitely a situation that was frightening and really scary for clinic staff and for the community, but we’ve had tremendous support,” says Frances Jones, Planned Parenthood’s area services manager for Spokane and Pullman. “We’re committed to our patients and making sure they can get services.”
On the Monday following the attack, the clinic set up shop in the parking lot to offer condoms and other supplies. About a month later, the clinic found a temporary space. This week, they’ve begun seeing some patients in the newly renovated space ahead of today’s official reopening.
The message, Jones says: “We’re here and our doors will stay open.”
The clinic in Pullman doesn’t offer abortions but the arson was part of a terrifying trend of anti-choice terrorism. The firebombing required a full renovation of the inside of the building and replacement of furniture and medical equipment. The building also received security upgrades, including new exterior lighting and cameras.
You—the readers of Slog—helped fund the temporary clinic and the rebuild by donating more than $13,000 in just two weeks. (You guys are the best!)
The opening ceremony starts today at 11 a.m. and will feature guests including Trudi Inslee, the wife of Governor Jay Inslee. Then, it will be back to normal operating hours and serving the 3,000 people who receive care each year at the Pullman clinic.
