Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on Thursday issued a directive prohibiting state patrol from aiding out-of-state abortion investigations after the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade.
"Washington is and will remain a sanctuary for any person seeking abortion care and services in our state, but we must act to protect our rights and our values," Inslee wrote in his directive. "To that end, it is critical that our law enforcement agencies not cooperate in any manner with any out-of-state investigation, prosecution, or other legal action based on another state’s law that is inconsistent with Washington's protections of the right to choose abortion and provide abortion-related care."
The directive comes a week after Washington, along with Oregon and California, announced a multistate commitment to defend access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion and contraceptives.
"Abortion is healthcare, and no matter who you are or where you come from, Oregon doesn't turn away anyone seeking healthcare. Period.
"Let me be clear: You cannot ban abortion, you can only ban safe abortions — and this disgraceful Supreme Court decision will undoubtedly put many people's lives at risk, in addition to stripping away a constitutional right that disproportionately affects women and has been settled law for most of our lifetimes," said Oregon Gov. Kate Brown.
"For all the Americans today feeling scared, angry and disappointed — for everyone who needs an abortion and does not know where they can access safe reproductive health care –– please know you are not alone, and the fight is not over."
Inslee's announcement directs the Washington State Patrol to decline cooperation with most subpoenas, search warrants or court orders from states with laws that ban or significantly restrict abortion access.
Solange Reyner ✉
Solange Reyner is a writer and editor for Newsmax. She has more than 15 years in the journalism industry reporting and covering news, sports and politics.
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