Submitted by Planned Parenthood Advocates of Greater Washington and North Idaho.
On Tuesday, Dec. 23, Gov. Ferguson released his proposed supplemental budget with strong support for the patients and providers of Planned Parenthood across Washington.
The governor pledged to include $8.5 million to fully restore previous cuts to the Abortion Access Project, on top of $15 million to backfill lost federal Medicaid reimbursements for Planned Parenthood patients. This is the first step in correcting the 55% cut to AAP funding enacted during the last legislative session and reaffirms Washington’s commitment to protecting access to abortion care even amid federal funding attacks that have deepened the state’s fiscal crisis.
The AAP provides critical funding to ensure Washingtonians can access abortion care when they need it, regardless of income or insurance status. The $8.5 million cut made last session created significant gaps in care, with 77% fewer patients able to receive abortion services with AAP funding at Planned Parenthood health centers. At his press conference today, Gov. Ferguson noted that while the AAP funding was unintentionally left out of the actual budget document, it will be corrected with the Legislature in January.
Joint statement from Jennifer M. Allen, CEO, Planned Parenthood Alliance Advocates and Karl Eastlund, CEO, Planned Parenthood Advocates of Greater Washington & North Idaho:
“Today, Governor Ferguson reaffirmed that Washington remains a national leader in abortion access by preserving reimbursements for Planned Parenthood patients with Medicaid and pledging full funding for the Abortion Access Project in his budget. These investments will ensure Washingtonians can continue to access abortion care when they need it. While there is still much work to be done to secure this funding during the legislative session, this announcement represents a strong first step. We are grateful to Governor Ferguson for this bright spot in a devastating financial environment for our state, and inspired by the 60 legislators who signed a letter requesting the move earlier this year. We look forward to continuing to work with our leaders to keep the abortion safety net intact.”
The proposed funding restoration comes as access to abortion care is increasingly under threat at the federal level, placing added importance on state investment in sexual and reproductive health care. Sustained funding for essential health care services — like abortion care — ensures Washington’s safety net remains strong for patients seeking care when they need it.
The governor also voiced support for a tax on the state’s wealthiest residents, which, if implemented, could provide a funding lifeline for social services critical for the health of Washingtonians. Progressive revenue sources like this “millionaires tax” are critical for balancing our tax code and avoid harming communities across the state.
Planned Parenthood advocacy organizations in Washington call on the Legislature to fully support the governor’s sexual and reproductive health funding proposal during the 2026 legislative session, set to begin on Jan. 12. Earlier this year, 61 legislators signed a letter to the House and Senate leadership calling for the 2025-27 operating budget to preserve Medicaid coverage for Planned Parenthood patients and restore funding to the Abortion Access Project.
