State leaders across our country continue to decide that patients should die rather than receive an abortion, which is a proven and safe medical procedure. 

On Tuesday, August 23, a federal judge in Texas ruled that patients can be denied abortion care even if it would save their lives or preserve their health. This will, without a doubt, result in the death of Texans.  

Then yesterday, a federal Idaho district court determined the denial of a patient’s right to survive was in violation of the Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA), yet most of Idaho’s dangerous abortion ban remains intact.  

At Pro-Choice Washington, we remain committed to supporting our neighbors in Idaho and Texas who need access to abortion care.  

“Washington retains the legal right to abortion and has the responsibility to ensure that patients, no matter their state of residence, receive the care they need and are welcomed in the process,” said Kia Guarino, Executive Director of Pro-Choice Washington. “But even in Washington, patients and providers are being harassed at clinics and misinformation is rampant. We must show up to protect abortion rights both for our own residents and for patients who come from states with abortion bans. This is the moment to get involved in the movement for abortion justice. Consider donating or volunteering with abortion funds and advocacy groups. Together, we have the power and responsibility to ensure lifesaving care is protected in Washington.”