Longer wait times, discouraged patients: What abortion rights advocates in Washington expect...

Providers in Washington are trying to meet the increased demand for abortions here with medication abortions, longer hours, and at least one additional clinic — but they can’t ramp up fast enough to meet an expected surge in demand.

Between people flying into the Seattle area from far-away states where abortion is now illegal or very limited, and people driving from Idaho and possibly Montana to Eastern Washington, the demand for abortion is expected to quintuple in Washington state in the coming months. That will make it harder for residents to get abortion appointments, especially in the eastern half of the state, where clinics that provide abortions are few and far between.