Boulder, Colorado has become the site of a new all-trimester abortion clinic, the RISE Collective, which began offering services two weeks ago. This development follows the retirement of Dr. Warren Hern, who performed late-stage procedures for five decades at the Boulder Abortion Clinic until its closure in April. The RISE Collective, an acronym for Reproductive Health, Inclusive Care, Support, and Empowerment, has stepped in to fill the gap, providing abortions beyond fetal viability without requiring patients to justify their decisions.
The clinic's opening has been met with diverse reactions. RISE emphasizes its commitment to continuing the services previously offered by Hern, noting that their medical staff consists of several clinicians with extensive experience in late-term abortions, including former administrators and providers from Hern's clinic. RISE's executive director, Alicia Moreno, stated that the group maintains a core of trained specialists in the field, with the clinic being one of only an estimated five in the United States capable of performing abortions up to 34 weeks of gestation.
On the other side of the debate, pro-life advocates have voiced their disapproval. Kelsey Pritchard, a spokesperson for Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, described the clinic's opening as "disappointing but not surprising," pointing out that Hern's team is effectively continuing the same practices. Pritchard also commented on the phenomenon of "abortion tourism" and taxpayer-supported expansion of late-term services in the nine states and the District of Columbia that allow abortion without gestational limits.
Late-term abortions are complex and rare, with medical experts stressing the intricate nature of such procedures. Most abortions in the United States occur before 13 weeks, with only 1 percent happening after 21 weeks. The CDC reports that babies born at 28 weeks have a high survival rate, and those born at 34 weeks often have outcomes comparable to full-term infants.
Financial concerns played a role in Hern's decision to retire, with rising costs and limited donor support. While he considered delegating clinic operations to his staff, he ultimately decided to close the facility. Moreno reflected on Hern's profound connection to the clinic, stating, "His identity was so intertwined. He was BAC. BAC was him."
The ongoing demand for late-term procedures and the national debate on abortion access continue to be highlighted by the opening of the RISE Collective. Colorado's liberal regulations on abortion, with parental-notification requirements for minors being the most significant restriction, underscore the state's position in this contentious issue.
