After performing over 40,000 abortions throughout his controversial career, Dr. Warren Hern closes the doors of his Boulder clinic for the final time.

According to The Christian Post, the 86-year-old physician has permanently closed the Boulder Abortion Clinic following his retirement in January, marking the end of a practice that spanned more than five decades.

Hern's facility was among the few in the United States that provided late-term abortions up to 36 weeks of pregnancy. His departure creates a significant void in Colorado's abortion services landscape, particularly for women seeking later-term procedures. The clinic's webpage now displays a closure announcement, bringing an end to a practice that served approximately 45,000 patients since its establishment.

Legacy of controversial medical practice

The veteran physician began his abortion practice in 1972, facing numerous challenges throughout his career. Despite experiencing psychological stress and nightmares early in his practice, Hern persevered, viewing the emotional toll as a necessary sacrifice for patient care.

His commitment to providing abortion services remained unwavering, even in the face of death threats and intense opposition from pro-life advocates.

In a statement about his retirement, Hern expressed profound sentiments about his decades of service. The physician acknowledged the difficulty of his decision to close the clinic while emphasizing the significance of his work.

According to Hern's own words:

It has been a privilege to do this work for almost 55 years. It has been a privilege to know the many exceptional people in this field who were and are devoted to the highest standards of medical care for women and who are dedicated to the fundamental principle of reproductive freedom for everyone.

Complex views on pregnancy and abortion

During a 2023 interview with The Atlantic, Hern shared controversial perspectives about pregnancy and fetal viability. His stance on these matters often sparked debate within medical and ethical circles. The physician maintained that pregnancy itself constitutes a health issue, asserting that every expectant mother faces mortality risks.

Hern's practice included performing sex-selective abortions, which added another layer of controversy to his work. His views on fetal viability challenged conventional medical definitions, suggesting that viability should be determined by the mother's desire to continue the pregnancy rather than gestational age. These positions often put him at odds with pro-life advocates and some medical professionals.

Challenges in sustaining late-term abortion services

Operating a late-term abortion facility presented unique difficulties that deterred others from following in Hern's footsteps. Financial burdens and security concerns ranked among the primary obstacles. The retiring physician noted that reasonable individuals would likely avoid pursuing similar work, highlighting the exceptional nature of his commitment to providing these services.

Previous attempts to secure successors for his practice proved unsuccessful. Despite working with other abortion providers who he hoped would eventually take over the clinic, the facility's closure suggests these succession plans did not materialize.

The combination of operational costs, security requirements, and professional challenges appeared to discourage potential candidates from assuming leadership of the clinic.

Looking back at five decades of medical service

Warren Hern's retirement marks the conclusion of a medical career that profoundly impacted reproductive healthcare in Colorado. The Boulder Abortion Clinic served thousands of patients during its operation, providing controversial yet legal medical services.

His retirement represents more than just the closure of a medical facility; it symbolizes the end of an era in Colorado's reproductive healthcare landscape.

The seasoned physician plans to maintain his advocacy for reproductive rights through different channels, though he has stepped away from surgical practice. His departure raises questions about access to late-term abortion services in Colorado and throughout the United States, as few facilities offer similar procedures. The closure of his clinic reduces options for women seeking such services, potentially affecting reproductive healthcare accessibility in the region.

Why This Story Matters

This story is vital because it underscores the complex interplay of personal conviction, professional duty, and societal values. Hern's career and the clinic's operation have influenced countless lives and fueled national dialogues on reproductive rights and healthcare standards.

The implications of the clinic's closure reach far beyond the immediate community. They resonate across the medical and legal domains, reflecting ongoing tensions surrounding abortion rights and the challenges faced by providers.

In retiring, Hern leaves behind a complex legacy interwoven with advancements and controversies in women's health services. His career reflects not only the challenges providers face but also the persistent conflict surrounding reproductive rights in America.