Bill > SB5713

This bill, known as the Abortion Pill Provider Liability Education (APPLE) Act, introduces significant new regulations and potential legal consequences for chemical abortions in Washington state. The bill requires abortion providers to provide patients with a detailed written statement explaining potential financial and medical risks associated with chemical abortions, including potential complications and liability for manufacturers, distributors, and healthcare providers. Patients must certify in writing that they have received and reviewed this information before a chemical abortion can be performed. The bill establishes new reporting requirements for the Department of Health, mandating detailed documentation of chemical abortions and any resulting complications, while ensuring patient anonymity. It creates a civil damages framework that allows patients, spouses, and in some cases grandparents to sue abortion providers for violations, with potential penalties up to $5,000 per day and additional civil penalties of up to $10,000 for failures in informed consent. The legislation also defines various terms related to abortion, such as "abortion-inducing drug" and "chemical abortion," and specifies that no criminal or civil penalties may be assessed against the patient themselves. The bill aims to increase transparency, patient information, and potential accountability in chemical abortion procedures.