St Stephens Legislative Advocacy

Legislation in Olympia to track this week (February 9th, 2015)

Abortion Insurance Mandate hearing set for Feb 10th

1) A bill that would force every private insurance policy to cover abortion, sterilization, and controversial contraceptives (HB 1647) has been scheduled for a public hearing on Tuesday, February 10th, at 8 am in the House Health Care Committee. This bill essentially makes it illegal to buy or sell a private insurance policy that doesn’t cover abortion.

Many people oppose abortion generally. Many more do not want to pay for someone else’s abortion regardless of how they feel about the right to have one. But this bill ignores the strong differences of opinion on this divisive issue and forces everyone to become a financial partner with the abortion industry. This bill is primarily about forcing employers to pay for their employees’ abortions.

If you can't make it, call your legislators through the legislative hotline at 1-800-562-6000 or email them to share your thoughts.  Please “oppose” this bill.

2) State legislators have introduced HB 1502 which would require every Washington state employer to pay for objectionable forms of contraception, even if they are willing to provide other forms of contraception.  This bill is before the House Judiciary committee.  Please call your state rep to “oppose” this bill.

3) Meanwhile, another bill (HB 1687) has been introduced in the state House declaring that the right to life begins at the moment the individual comes into being.  Please call your state rep to “support” this bill.

4) Senate bill SB5289 Parental Notification for Abortions would require notification of parents or guardians before a minor could have an abortion.  Please contact your state senator to “support” passage of this bill.