OLYMPIA – Gov. Bob Ferguson signed a bill into law Tuesday that protects reproductive rights in emergency medical situations.
Senate Bill 5557, sponsored by Sen. Deb Krishnadasan (D-Gig Harbor), codifies emergency rules that ensure patients get the care needed when they have a medical emergency. Former Gov. Jay Inslee issued a directive in early January requiring the same provisions at the state level. Emergency medical conditions include ectopic pregnancy, complications from pregnancy or pregnancy loss, or any condition that could cause harm to a patient or fetus’ health without treatment.
“Everyone deserves the best care in an emergency, and this legislation ensures everyone receives timely, appropriate medical care that puts patients first,” Krishnadasan said. “It’s important that when women go to the hospital, they know their care is a priority. We have incredible hospitals and medical staff across our state, and this empowers them to keep up their amazing and lifesaving work.”
SB 5557 reinforces existing federal protections into state law to ensure changes at the federal level don’t impact Washingtonians. The law requires providers to conduct a medical screening, wait to transfer a patient until they are stabilized, nondiscrimination in care, and no delay in examination or treatment.
“Recent events across the country, and as close as Idaho, show how important it is that we enshrine existing medical protections into state law,” Krishnadasan said. “Reproductive freedom is under attack across the country and I’m proud that we’re protecting this right in Washington.”
The bill has an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.
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