Low-income women's health clinic to close doors

A First Hill clinic that has offered health care to low-income women seeking abortions and gynecological services for more than 34 years will close next month.

Among the reasons that Aradia Women's Health Center is closing is the nearly 20 percent increase it has had in low-income patients seeking abortions over the past five years, said Karen Besserman, vice president of Aradia's Board of Directors.

"There's a decrease nationwide of women seeking abortions, except for low-income women," Besserman said, adding that abortions make up more than half of the clinic's business.

Price increases for rent, malpractice insurance and medical supplies — including contraceptives — are also factors in Aradia's cost crisis. Seventy percent of the clinic's clients require subsidized health care, Besserman said.

On Tuesday, the nearly 20 clinic employees were told that Aradia will be closed at the end of next month and that they will lose their jobs, Besserman said.

"It was a tough decision. Aradia has deep roots and a long history in Seattle," Besserman said. "There are, fortunately, other options for low-income women in Seattle."

Since opening in 1972, the clinic has provided medical care to more than 54,000 women. It has also been the site of abortion and gynecological training for more than a thousand medical residents, nursing students and hundreds of staff and volunteers.

Jennifer Sullivan: 206-464-8294 or jensullivan@seattletimes.com