Abortion is is protected by the Alaska constitution’s right to privacy. But that doesn’t mean it’s available across the state.
Like many medical procedures, the long-held understanding is: If you need an abortion, fly to Anchorage. Beyond that, figuring out how to access care is like trying to solve a puzzle. There are multiple health care providers in the region, but none provide abortion services.
“We could say, well, there’s a Planned Parenthood in Anchorage, have you given them a call?” Casteel said.For Bristol Bay residents, many health care services are only available by traveling to Anchorage, so abortion is not unique in that regard. Each local representative cited different reasons for not providing or assisting with abortions. At the Camai health center, Swain said they don’t have the facilities to address possible complications from an abortion, either medication or surgical. Casteel said SAFE would have to receive grants specifically for abortion in order to support access, and they have never received those grants in the past.
Other Bristol Bay providers were contacted for this story and declined to comment, including Southcentral Foundation and the Dillingham Public Health Center. A roundtrip flight to Anchorage ranges from $443 to $643, while tickets to Fairbanks and Juneau can surpass $1,000. Beyond that, there’s the cost of lodging, food and the abortion itself.
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