Following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, Missouri has banned access to abortion, even in the case of rape. Wash U is one of the only nationally recognized universities operating in a state with such extreme laws. Parents, students, employees and alumni are obviously concerned. The university’s response has been lackluster at best, generally supporting “free expression of ideas among members of our community” and providing concerned students with mere website links without offering any concrete plans regarding how it intends to ensure the continued access to care that the Wash U community expects and the St. Louis region deserves.  

Fortunately, Wash U’s resources and geographic proximity to Illinois provide a unique opportunity for the university to preserve access to both its students and those in the surrounding region. At the very least, the university could immediately begin providing free transportation to Granite City, IL, where there is already an abortion clinic. Longer term, the university could fund and operate its own clinic in Illinois, expanding access to care for the entire St. Louis region. 

As we all know, Wash U relies heavily on alumni donations to function. Join me (Wash U class of 2001) and other alumni to cease all donations until Wash U can clearly demonstrate its ability to provide continued access to care.