The news surrounding the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade produced a lot of confusion for women facing unexpected pregnancies. The decision did not outlaw abortion across the United States – rather, abortion availability and legality in your area now depends on state law.
Is Abortion Still Legal in Washington?
In the state of Washington, the availability of abortion is protected by state law up until the point of viability. This is typically determined to be around 24 weeks gestation.
This state law protection of abortion in Washington includes access to the options of the abortion pill (otherwise known as medical or medication abortion) as well as surgical abortion (an in-clinic procedure typically performed by a physician or provider).
Which abortion method is available for each person’s unique pregnancy situation depends on a number of factors, including how far along in pregnancy the patient is or what other medical complications may be present. Associated costs and risks also vary depending on the method of abortion.
If you are considering abortion, take the time to learn about your unique health needs, what method is medically allowed, and what risks or complications you may need to be informed about before seeking an abortion.
Can Women Still Get Emergency Medical Care?
Although this situation is rather rare, there may be some cases in which women have medically life-threatening conditions in pregnancy and must immediately seek treatment – sometimes including pregnancy termination. When a woman’s health is in danger, all medical intervention efforts are available and unrestricted.
This also includes access to both ectopic pregnancy care – the removal of a non-viable pregnancy growing outside of the uterus – and miscarriage care, consisting of follow-up care to protect a woman’s health following the demise of a pregnancy.
The Secretary of Health and Human Services affirmed this access to care for women in life-threatening medical scenarios in this letter to care providers.
What Do I Need to Know Before Abortion?
Before receiving an abortion – through any method, even the abortion pill – it is important to get specific information about your unique pregnancy situation. One of the best ways to do this is through receiving an ultrasound exam.
You can get answers to a number of questions through an ultrasound exam, such as:
- How far along you are (and what pregnancy options are available)
- If the pregnancy is viable (or if miscarriage care is more appropriate for your situation)
- If the pregnancy is located in the uterus (or if you are at risk of ectopic pregnancy)
These are extremely important facts to know, as the answers could affect both the options available to you and what is medically safe. Put your health and safety first – schedule your free appointment today.