“This is a big step for Washington state,” says Paul Dillon, director of public affairs for Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho. “No woman’s pregnancy decision should be affected by their inability to pay for care.”

“No institution should be allowed to deny health care coverage or insurance on the basis of religious beliefs. Religious exemptions create a harmful gap in a patient’s right to the full range of reproductive choices,” said Elissa Goss of NARAL.