Dr Warren Hern says he is the only doctor in the United States who openly performs abortions after eight months of pregnancy. Now in his mid-80s, he has done this work for decades. He continues despite protests, threats, and constant public attention.
He says these procedures are never done for convenience. Late-term abortions, he explains, are only performed in rare and serious situations. These include fatal fetal abnormalities or major risks to a woman’s health. Most of his patients, he says, wanted their pregnancies and only seek help after receiving devastating medical news late in pregnancy.
Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, demand for his services has increased. Women from states with strict abortion bans are traveling long distances to Colorado, where there is no legal time limit on abortion. Dr Hern estimates his clinic now sees about 50 percent more patients than before.
National data show these cases are very rare. More than 94 percent of abortions in the U.S. happen in the first trimester. Fewer than one percent take place after 21 weeks. Dr Hern says late-term cases are medically complex and emotionally painful for everyone involved.
Abortion remains one of the most divisive issues in the country. Dr Hern says his decisions are based on medicine, not politics. He believes forcing women to continue dangerous or non-viable pregnancies causes needless suffering, and he says he will continue providing care for as long as he can.