WA makes a big purchase of abortion medication
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
OLYMPIA – Washington Gov. Jay Inslee announced Tuesday that the state has purchased a three-year supply of the abortion medication, mifepristone. Inslee directed the state Department of Corrections to use its existing pharmacy license to purchase the medication. The full shipment was delivered on March 31.
Inslee was joined at Tuesday’s news conference by legislators who are introducing legislation authorizing the Department of Corrections to distribute or sell the medication to licensed health providers across the state. The legislation is sponsored by Sen. Karen Keiser (D-Des Moines) and Rep. Jessica Bateman (D-Olympia).
Attorney General Bob Ferguson is also involved in a multi-state lawsuit seeking to protect access to this medication. These actions come as a federal judge in Texas is poised to issue a ruling any day that would order the Food and Drug Administration to rescind its approval of mifepristone. Such a ruling would effectively end the ability of providers or pharmacists nationwide to purchase the medication.
Inslee’s office said purchasing the medication now ensures it will remain available to providers and patients in Washington, regardless of the Texas ruling.
Photo via Washington State Governor’s Office
