Warren Hern closes Boulder Abortion Clinic after 50 years

Dr. Warren Hern, a pioneering provider of late-term abortion care and long-time advocate for reproductive rights, has closed the Boulder Abortion Clinic after more than 50 years in operation. Hern was one of the few doctors in the U.S. offering abortions later in pregnancy, drawing patients from across the country, especially after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. His work made him a target of persistent threats and protests, yet he remained committed to providing what he described as essential, safe medical care for women facing complex and often life-threatening pregnancies. Hern cited both personal reasons and the increasing logistical and emotional challenges of maintaining the clinic as factors in his decision to retire. With the closure, access to late-term abortion care becomes even more limited nationwide, with only a handful of clinics now offering such services beyond 24 weeks. Hern expressed pride in his work and gratitude to his staff and community, reaffirming his belief in abortion as a fundamental aspect of women’s health care.