1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am asking you to resubmit or initiate legislation that limits hospital mergers. Washington has too many hospitals that follow the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Healthcare Services. These hospitals do not provide services such as birth control, abortion, gender affirming care, or death with dignity. Due to hospital mergers, there are many areas of Washington state where all hospitals limit the care listed above. [SB 5704 / HB 1881] was legislation introduced in 2025 to limit these mergers. Last year, [SB 5704 / HB 1881] did not make it out of committee. I ask that you resubmit or create similar legislation, sponsor and support such bills if submitted by a colleague, and make sure they turn into law. The Washington legislature determined that these areas of care need to be protected; please make access to them practical in all parts of Washington.