Seattle councilmembers announce abortion protection legislation

SEATTLE — Two members of the Seattle City Council announced legislation that would protect the right to get an abortion in Seattle.

Councilmembers Tammy J. Morales and Lisa Herbold are behind the two bills announced on Thursday.

The first, CB 120374, is an ordinance that adds people who have had or are seeking abortions as a protected class.

The second, CB 120376, would make it a misdemeanor for people who encroach or interfere with people seeking abortions or gender-affirming care. This is an adoption of RCW 9A.50.020 into Seattle Municipal Code.

“As policy makers, we must work to ensure that everyone has their fundamental rights to privacy and bodily autonomy,” said Morales.

“We must get ready, and quickly — the reality is that pregnant people don’t have the luxury of time to make decisions about abortion,” said Herbold.

Both pieces of legislation will be heard in the city council’s Neighborhoods, Education, Civil Rights and Culture Committee on Friday.

The legislation will go up for a vote at the full city council meeting on Aug. 9.

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