February 22, 2006

By LAURA PEACH
Contributing Writer

On Jan. 9, 2005, an arsonist set fire to the Eastside Women’s Health Clinic in Olympia. Though the fire destroyed most of the building’s interior, dealing with the physical damage was not the clinic’s greatest challenge.

Immediately after the attack, the clinic’s insurer terminated their policy, forcing the owners to scramble for two 45-day extensions. The clinic’s property insurance then jumped from around $2,000 a year to upwards of $90,000. Eastside had to stop providing abortions in order to obtain a more modest policy.

“ The insurance companies are essentially helping the terrorists. They are shooting themselves in the foot — it is not in their best interest to stop providing insurance to places which have been attacked because it just encourages similar actions.”

Rep. Brendan Williams, D-Olympia, concerned with the treatment that Eastside received, proposed House Bill 2481. The legislation is designed to protect medical facilities and religious organizations from losing their insurance policies as a result of arson and other malicious activities. It recently passed through the House with 71 representatives (including 10 Republicans) supporting the measure.

The legislation prohibits an insurance company from dropping their policy for five years after a malicious incident occurs. The insurance policy may be cancelled for other reasons during that time period. The bill is not retroactive, so if it passes, Eastside Women’s Health will still not be able to perform abortions under their current insurance policy.

Amie Newman, communications manager of Aradia Women’s Health in Seattle, says that this bill is “incredibly helpful, more as a safety net than anything else” as it works to protect services like Eastside’s. Allowing insurance companies discretion over the issue is “a bad road to go down,” she says. “The problem would just snowball if legislation is not in place.”

Security is a constant risk for abortion clinics: protesters have picketed outside Aradia’s Central District offices twice a week, every week, for years. A police officer is kept on the premises to ensure the safety of patients, and the staff undergoes regular training for crisis situations.

There is a significant threat of similar crimes for religious organizations as well. After 9/11, certain mosques in the greater Seattle area experienced extremist attacks. On Sept. 13, 2001, Snohomish resident Patrick Cunningham attempted to set fire to two cars parked outside the Islamic Idriss Mosque. He was sentenced to more than six years in prison.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms and the local police who are working on the attack on Eastside Women’s Clinic have not yet identified the perpetrator.

“ Criminals should not be rewarded for their actions,” says Williams’ legislative aide Kasey Schiewe. “We want to make sure that when lawful businesses are the victims of crimes, they are not victimized all over again.” n

[Take Action]

The State Senate needs to pass House Bill 2481 to ensure its enactment. To speak up for the bill, contact your Senate representative at 1 (800) 562-6000.