Healthcare (Women's Health)

SB 5713 creates new court procedures to protect patient anonymity in abortion-related legal cases and establishes civil penalties for healthcare providers who violate specific requirements for chemical abortions. It requires courts to seal records and issue orders preserving patient identity without consent, mandates lawsuits by specific parties (like patients or family members), and imposes $5,000 daily fines on providers for violations. Penalties collected fund pregnancy resource centers that do not perform or refer for abortions. The bill explicitly prohibits penalties against patients and clarifies definitions of "abortion-inducing drug" and "abortion pill provider."

SB 5137 requires Washington public schools to obtain written approval from a child's parent or legal guardian before providing comprehensive sexual health education. This replaces the current system where parents could opt their child out with a written request, making parental consent mandatory prior to any instruction. The bill maintains existing curriculum requirements (including medically accurate, age-appropriate content covering abstinence, contraception, and affirmative consent) but shifts the process to require active parental approval. It directly affects parents/guardians of K-12 students in Washington public schools and takes effect starting the 2025-26 school year. The law amends RCW 28A.300.475 to formalize this approval requirement.