Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Washington has protections in place for people seeking abortions, more could be coming

People demonstrating in favor of abortion rights gather in front of the Temple of Justice, which houses the Washington state Supreme Court, during an evening rally, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Capitol in Olympia, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
Ted S. Warren/AP
/
AP
People demonstrating in favor of abortion rights gather in front of the Temple of Justice, which houses the Washington state Supreme Court, during an evening rally, Tuesday, May 3, 2022, at the Capitol in Olympia, Wash. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Washington already has protections in place for people seeking abortions. But more protections could be coming following the Supreme Court ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade.

During an election year, a lot of elected leaders in Washington have been talking about what they plan to do in response to the Court's decision. This November, all members of the House members are up for re-election as are about half of state senators.

On Saturday, Governor Jay Inslee saidhe would push for a state constitutional amendment to protect abortion within Washington. That would require a two-thirds majority in the state House and Senate and then a vote by the people.

Other possible initiatives mentioned by elected officials include closing patient privacy gaps, mandates for insurers and further restrictions on hospital mergers. Several proposals aim to protect people from other states who come to Washington seeking an abortion.

Olympia correspondent Austin Jenkins joined KNKX Morning Edition host Kirsten Kendrick to talk about what's being said and how it may be pursued.

Kirsten Kendrick hosts Morning Edition on KNKX and the sports interview series "Going Deep," talking with folks tied to sports in our region about what drives them — as professionals and people.