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Washington Senate approves bill to maintain DOC stockpile of abortion medications after heated debate
Summary
After extensive debate and failed amendment attempts, the Washington State Senate passed substitute S.B. 5917 to continue a Department of Corrections stockpile of abortion medications and allow distribution to providers; final roll-call was 32 yeas, 17 nays.
The Washington State Senate on Feb. 10 passed substitute Senate Bill 5,917 to allow the Department of Corrections (DOC) to maintain and distribute a stockpile of abortion medications and to revise distribution rules, after lengthy floor debate and multiple failed amendments.
Supporters led by Senator Bateman said the stockpile preserves access to mifepristone and misoprostol amid shifting federal court decisions and practical supply challenges. "Without this stockpile, we cannot ensure that people in Washington can actually get access to this medication, which is safe," Bateman said, urging colleagues to vote yes.
Opponents warned the bill could make the DOC pharmacy act as a wholesale supplier beyond its original purpose. Senator Fortunato argued amendment…
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