Mixed emotions at a Colorado clinic for late abortions: Anguish, gratitude, and fear of violence

Dr. Warren Hern runs the Boulder Abortion Clinic in Colorado, which specializes in second- and third-trimester abortions, a controversial practice sparking fierce political debate. Only 1% of abortions are performed after 21 weeks, mostly in cases of extreme medical emergencies. Former President Trump has expressed discomfort with later-term abortions, claiming Democrats support abortions in the ninth month, which is not the case and is illegal in all states. The restrictions on abortion access following Roe v. Wade have made it difficult for women like Willow, who faced delays in care and being turned away from clinics due to being in her fifth month of pregnancy. For some, like a couple in Texas named Emma and Stewart, having to travel out of state for an abortion due to severe fetal anomalies highlights the dire consequences of restrictive abortion laws. After their fetus was diagnosed with a severe anomaly, they flew to Colorado to have an abortion at Dr. Hern’s clinic. Their loss has left a permanent mark, leading them to advocate for abortion access as essential healthcare. The Supreme Court’s overturning of Roe v. Wade has made situations like Willow’s more dangerous, expensive, and emotionally stressful, leading to near-total bans on abortion in 14 states, as reported by the Guttmacher Institute. Hern believes criminalizing abortion is a national catastrophe for women, putting their health and lives at risk.

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