I am often asked whether I will work to ban abortions in Washington. The answer is no.
Washingtonians have voted twice to make abortion not only legal and part of our
constitution but also accessible for all women, ensuring their right to choose. In 1970, a referendum legalized the procedure, and in 1991, an initiative ensured access to it. I fully stand by these decisions made by the people. I will never overturn an initiative decided by the people, nor do I believe any legislator should.
While my personal beliefs may differ, my duty as your legislator is to prioritize your wishes
above my own. Data shows that the overwhelming majority of Washingtonians want abortion to remain legal and accessible, and I have always respected and upheld that.
The most common reason women cite for seeking an abortion is financial hardship. If a
woman’s only option is to terminate a pregnancy because she cannot afford to have the child, then she truly has no choice. While I continue to work on legislation that makes the procedure safer and more accessible, I am equally committed to providing women with more choices. I have passed laws to reduce the economic burdens on mothers and improved maternal support services to ensure women have real choices.
As a husband, father to three daughters, and grandfather to six granddaughters, I understand how personal these issues are for women. I have never—and will never—place politics above sound policy, especially on a matter as important as this.
