Abortion is a medical procedure that ends a pregnancy. The legality of abortion has been litigated in the U.S. Supreme Court and other courts since the 1973 case of Roe v. Wade.
In 2022, in the case titled Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health, the Supreme Court reversed its decision in Roe v. Wade. The legality of abortion—including access to the procedure and any restrictions on it—is now determined on a state by state basis, with each state's abortion laws applying only within its borders.
In Washington State, abortion is legal. The state has laws in place that protect the right to choose an abortion. Following the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health Organization in 2022, which overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed states to set their own abortion laws, Washington's stance on abortion did not change. The state continues to ensure access to abortion services without imposing severe restrictions that are seen in some other states. Washington law allows for abortion prior to fetal viability, and after viability if the pregnant person's health or life is at risk or in cases of severe fetal abnormalities. The state does not have mandatory waiting periods or forced counseling, and state-funded health insurance plans cover abortion services. It is important for individuals seeking or considering an abortion in Washington to consult with an attorney or healthcare provider for the most current information on the state's abortion laws and regulations.