West Coast states unite to “fight like hell” to protect access to abortion

On Friday morning, the Supreme Court of the United States overturned Roe v. Wade in a 6-3 ruling in the case of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. The reproductive rights of patients in more than half the country, and 49 years of durable precedent, have been swept aside. Abortion is no longer a constitutional right but instead left to the whims of state politicians.

In response to the ruling, Gov. Jay Inslee joined with the governors of California and Oregon to launch a Multi-State Commitment to defend access to reproductive health care, including abortion and contraceptives, and committed to protecting patients and doctors against efforts by other states to export their abortion bans to our states.

“The law remains unchanged in Washington state, but the threat to patient access and privacy has never been more dangerous. Even in Washington state, Republicans have introduced about 40 bills in the past six years to roll back abortion rights and access to reproductive care,” Inslee said. “The right of choice should not depend on which party holds the majority, but that’s where we find ourselves. Instead, law enforcement, vigilantes and judicial systems can force patients to bear the burdens of forced pregnancy and birth. Washington state remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the ability and right of every patient who comes to our state in need of abortion care, and we will fight like hell to restore that right to patients all across the country.”

The West Coast governors issued a video message on Friday to affirm their shared commitment to protecting abortion rights. Inslee will hold a press conference with state legislators on Saturday to discuss additional actions the state will pursue to strengthen legal protections and access to care.