OLYMPIA, Wash. – Governor Jay Inslee has issued a directive aimed at codifying emergency abortion care requirements in Washington hospitals.
This move, announced in a press release on Friday, seeks to solidify existing practices into state law.
The proposed rules will prevent hospitals from withholding care due to pregnancy and will ensure that a pregnant person’s health is prioritized over continuing the pregnancy unless otherwise directed by the patient.
These rules are already followed by hospitals in Washington. However, once they are codified, they will become state law, providing additional protection against potential federal influence.
The Washington Department of Health is set to begin emergency rulemaking immediately to implement these changes.
The full directive can be read online.