To the editor:

As an OB/GYN in Washington, I support Senate Bill 6219. I take care of patients who want to prevent pregnancy, patients who want to continue their pregnancies, and patients who want or need to end their pregnancies. All of them should be able to make their choices without cost limiting their options.

My patients are the experts on their own lives and needs. When they tell me how they feel about a pregnancy and its implications, I believe them. We should all believe them, and that means ensuring they have access to the full spectrum of contraception, pregnancy and abortion care. Many women who have abortions are already mothers and are acutely aware of the costs associated with pregnancy and parenting. Unintended pregnancy is more common among women with fewer resources, and Senate Bill 6219 could improve reproductive choices for these very women. A recent study found that women who were unable to get an abortion they wanted were more likely to be in poverty years later compared to women who obtained the abortion they wanted. It is unjust for lack of insurance coverage to lead women and their families deeper into poverty.

Having access to all the choices around pregnancy will improve my patients’ health and well-being. By passing Senate Bill 6219, the Senate is trusting women to make the right choices for themselves and their families.

This bill will help women and their families avoid poverty and live the lives that are right for them.

LAUREN OWENS

Seattle