“The Supreme Court’s decision takes away bodily autonomy, rights to reproductive health, and put forth barriers to health equity in the United States.
“This decision exposes pregnant people to state-based restrictions, regulations, and bans that will leave many people unable to access needed medical care. These restrictions allow unrelated third parties to make decisions that rightfully and ethically should be made only by individuals and their healthcare providers.
“Abortion is a safe, essential part of comprehensive health care here in Washington state. Just like any other safe and effective medical intervention, it must be available equitably to people, no matter their race, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, or where they reside. That is why I wrote House Bill 1851.
“When abortion is legal, it is safe.
“The impact of this decision will fall disproportionately on people who already face barriers to accessing health care, including people of color, those living in rural areas, and those without ample financial resources.
“This decision confirms that will be a challenging time for people seeking abortion services and healthcare providers, even in states like ours, because people in other states where there are abortion bans will need to access care here when our providers are already stretched thin.
“A study released by the Guttmacher Institute predicts that bans in nearby states will cause a 385 percent increase in patients seeking an abortion in our state.
“Here, in Washington, I will work with fellow lawmakers and leaders across our state to uphold and protect the rights of all individuals to their reproductive health, specifically abortion cares. Here, in Washington, the people – not a politician or a judge – should get to make the most private and personal decisions to your well-being.”