Washington Governor Signs Bill for Abortion Pill Distribution
On Saturday, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson (D) enacted a new law that facilitates the distribution of abortion pills the state had stockpiled following the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
Earlier this year, the state returned 30,000 expired doses from its abortion pill stockpile to manufacturers. Under Senate Bill 5917, once officially enacted, the state was initially required to sell mifepristone pills at cost, plus an extra $5 fee per dose.
The recent legislation removes the obligation for state payment for abortion pills and mandates the Department of Corrections to collaborate with the Department of Health to “identify the recipients of the drugs.” Proponents believe this change will enhance access to the remaining stockpile of pills.
Before signing the bill, Gov. Ferguson emphasized the critical nature of safeguarding access to reproductive health care, asserting that this legislation would provide abortion providers with easier access to the state’s reserves.
Following the 2022 Supreme Court ruling that dismantled the constitutional right to abortion, various Democratic-led states took measures to stockpile mifepristone and misoprostol, both used in medical abortions.
In 2023, former Governor Jay Inslee (D) authorized the purchase of 30,000 doses of mifepristone for $1.275 million, with the intent to stockpile in anticipation of potential federal regulations from Republican-led initiatives, which have yet to materialize.
While much of this stockpile is set to expire by the end of January, abortion pills continue to be widely accessible in Washington. The Washington State Women’s Commission expressed support for the new law, mentioning the potential return of drugs to manufacturers but indicating uncertainty about possible refunds.
Moreover, another small stockpile of misoprostol, which recently expired in February, may need disposal. Advocates are hopeful that the immediate implementation of the new law might save an upcoming batch set to expire by the end of this month.
The state additionally purchased 17,600 more doses of mifepristone in early 2025, with expiration dates ranging from late 2028 to 2029. Notably, the supplier agreed to replace all unused or expired pills at no cost to the state.
Opposition from Republican lawmakers to this bill highlighted concerns about fiscal responsibility, arguing that it could turn Washington into a hub for abortion pills. Funds accrued from the sale of the pills are directed to the state’s general fund.
The bill, primarily supported along party lines, passed with two Republicans, Senators Paul Harris of Vancouver and Ron Musar of Oak Harbor, voting in favor.
