The Governor of Washington Jay Inslee signed a state bill that forbids legal activity against women seeking an abortion and those who aid them.
The state’s move comes only days after nearby Idaho passed a bill allowing legal actions by household participants suggested to impose a restriction on abortions performed after six weeks of pregnancy.
Governor Jay Inslee authorized House Bill 1851 into law March 17.
“We know this bill is necessary because this is a perilous time for the ability of people to have the freedom of choice that they have enjoyed for decades,” said Inslee.
Inslee even took direct aim at his more conservative neighbors in Republican-led Idaho, saying, “To the citizens of Idaho, if Idaho will not stand up for your constitutional rights, we will” seemingly in a bid to entice more left-leaning citizens to move before signing the bill.
At least 12 states have introduced bills designed after the Texas abortion ban. The Texas legislation, Senate Bill 8, encourages civilians to file a claim against anybody that aids assist in an abortion after the legal restriction.
The Supreme Court is expected to rule on one similar case from Mississippi with a 15-week abortion restriction. The case might overturn or considerably compromise Roe v. Wade, the 1973 judgment that codified a ‘right’ to abortions nationwide.
Washington’s new regulations restricts the state from acting against a specific woman seeking to end their pregnancy or aiding a woman expecting in getting an abortion. The action is set to take effect in June..
The Washington bill is in clear reaction to a Texas law, which outlaws abortion after about six weeks of maternity and makes no exemptions in instances of rape or incest..
The enforcement of the Texas law is entrusted to private citizens, offering $10,000 or more if they bring an effective suit versus a carrier or any person who helps in an abortion beyond six weeks.
Idaho’s Legislature sent Senate Bill 1309 to Governor Brad Little for his last signature. The Idaho regulation outlaws abortion after 6 weeks of maternity, however, includes exemptions for rape, incest, and severe health worries. The Idaho legislation permits the father, grandparents, brother or sisters, aunties, as well as uncles of a “preborn child” to sue an abortion service provider for a minimum of $20,000 in damages within four years of the abortion.
