Abortion Information and Frequently Asked Questions
Abortion Information and Frequently Asked Questions:
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to release an opinion in June 2022 that could impact the current Roe v. Wade ruling. The professional health care regulators of the State of Washington recognize that if Roe v. Wade is impacted it could raise practice concerns for our licensees.
The Washington State Medical Commission, Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery, Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission, and Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission wrote a set of frequently asked questions (FAQ) to clarify how Washington regulators will continue to address practice matters regardless of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling.
The FAQ include:
- What is the history of abortion laws in Washington state?
- Will abortions remain legal in Washington state?
- How do state regulators determine discipline and licensure if Roe v. Wade is overturned?
- Who may perform an abortion in Washington state?
- May a pharmacist dispense hormonal, non-hormonal, or emergency contraceptives in Washington State?
The following professional health care regulators recognize that the while a U.S. Supreme Court ruling could impact the rights of pregnant individuals nationally, the laws in Washington state would likely not be changed by such a ruling. For information on how each commission is addressing this issue, please click on the following links:
Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery
Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission
Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission
