FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ryan MacDonald, ryan@prochoicewashington.org
Olympia, WA — On Saturday, March 14, Governor Bob Ferguson signed legislation to strengthen Washington’s ability to distribute its stockpile of medication abortion. This law reinforces the state’s commitment to protecting access to reproductive health care.
Reproductive health care advocates, including team members from Pro-Choice Washington, our legislative fellows, and student activiss from Huskies for Reproductive Freedom, celebrated the move, saying the law helps ensure the state’s existing supply of abortion medication can reach providers and patients quickly if access is threatened.
“There are numerous active threats to mifepristone access nationwide,” said Gabbi Nazari, Government Relations Director.
“It is critical Washington state has the flexibility to respond in the face of federal attacks to ensure Washingtonians and anyone who travels here for care continue to have access to this safe, effective, and lifesaving medication.”
The new law removes barriers that previously limited how the state could distribute abortion medications purchased for emergency access.
By allowing the state to distribute the medication more flexibly and at lower cost, the law ensures Washington’s existing supply can reach patients and providers across the state before doses expire and when access is threatened.
Washington first created the stockpile in 2023. Former Governor Jay Inslee directed the state to purchase tens of thousands of doses of mifepristone in response to legal threats to the medication’s federal approval.
Medication abortion is the most common method of abortion care in the United States. It has been used safely for decades. Advocates say maintaining a secure supply is an important safeguard as abortion rights continue to face political and legal attacks nationwide.
Under the previous system, state agencies were required to sell medication from the stockpile at a set price, which in some cases made it more expensive than what providers could obtain through traditional suppliers. The new law removes that requirement and clarifies the state’s authority to acquire, possess, and distribute abortion medications to health care providers and organizations.
Advocates and lawmakers gathered for the bill signing Saturday, celebrating the passage of legislation designed to safeguard medication abortion access and ensure Washington remains a refuge for reproductive freedom.
Pro-Choice Washington applauds Governor Ferguson, Senator Bateman, and Representative Thomas for taking decisive action to protect reproductive health care. The organization will continue working alongside providers, lawmakers, and advocates to ensure that abortion remains accessible, affordable, and protected in Washington state.
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Pro-Choice Washington is an independent organization solely focused on political and legislative advocacy for reproductive freedom in Washington state. We believe every person deserves equitable access to affordable, unbiased, quality reproductive and abortion healthcare within their community. Pro-Choice Washington joined SAAN as a founding member in 2022. Together, the organizations use their collective power to speak up for reproductive rights through advocacy, community engagement, and education.
