On February 18, 2026, Alizeh Bhojani, Washington policy counsel at Legal Voice, submitted testimony to the Healthcare Committee in support of Senate Bill 5917, Improving Access to Abortion Medications. This bill will ensure that Washington state distributes its $2 million abortion medication stockpile before it expires. It directs the Department of Corrections, which houses the stockpile, to collaborate with the Department of Health to get the medication to those most in need.
Chair Bronoske, Ranking Member Schmick and Healthcare Committee Members,
Legal Voice urges this committee to support the passage of SSB 5917. Cost should not be a barrier to access essential medication, and collaboration between the Department of Health and Department of Corrections (DOC) ensures that the medication goes to trusted providers. The bill also preserves DOC’s ability to sell the medication at fair prices.
Legal Voice advances justice and builds community power for women, girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people across the Northwest by using three strategies: litigation, legislative advocacy, and public education. Our vision is a world where every person is recognized in their full humanity and can thrive in communities free from oppression. Through our work in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Alaska, we drive meaningful change across our region.
The two-pill medication abortion regimen is one of the safest and most effective ways to end an unwanted pregnancy. A recent study examining the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) regulation of mifepristone (one of the pills used for medication abortion) concluded that the agency adhered strictly to evidence-based science without political interference. In 2023, medication abortion comprised 63 percent of all abortions in the formal United States healthcare system.
After the Supreme Court of the United States struck down Roe v. Wade, many states took decisive action to protect access to abortion care, including our neighbors in Oregon and California. Like these states, Washington has stockpiled mifepristone to help ensure that supply remains available as demand for abortion medication, especially via telehealth, skyrockets. However, the Washington stockpile is subject to restrictive conditions that make it difficult to distribute.
There are currently three pending federal lawsuits challenging the FDA rules on mifepristone usage brought by conservative states, including Florida, Louisiana, and Missouri. These challenges could have significant impact on nationwide access to mifepristone, including requiring burdensome and non-evidence-based restrictions such as in-person visits. It is important to pass SSB 5917 so that our state can remain nimble in the face of national attacks.
Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions.
Sincerely,
Alizeh Bhojani
Policy Counsel, Legal Voice
