An Alabama women’s healthcare clinic has expanded into a larger health centre with support from a $5 million grant from Melinda French Gates’ philanthropic organisation, Pivotal. WAWC Healthcare in Tuscaloosa previously provided abortion services before Alabama’s abortion ban became enforceable following the US Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade. The clinic later reopened with a broader healthcare mission, offering services including pregnancy care, midwifery support and mental health care. Its expansion illustrates how WAWC developed its healthcare model amid changes to abortion access in Alabama, while pursuing its longer-term aim of providing comprehensive services to women and families.
Alabama Reflector reported that the clinic previously saw approximately 250 patients per month, most of whom sought abortions. The clinic’s healthcare services include pregnancy verification, prenatal care, miscarriage management and contraception. Its official website also lists STI and HIV testing and treatment, PrEP and annual examinations. WAWC offers contraception on a sliding scale and states that it does not provide elective abortions. These services reflect the organisation’s broader approach to reproductive and general healthcare. WAWC’s expansion comes as Alabama continues to face healthcare challenges affecting women and families. The organisation continued to see substantial demand for healthcare after abortion services were no longer available. Its expansion reflects an effort to provide broader care through maternal healthcare, contraception and mental health services.