OLYMPIA, Wash. – Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler’s office has approved coverage requested by Physicians Insurance A Mutual of Seattle (Physicians) to reimburse its policyholders for legal fees and expenses incurred defending against a criminal action that comes from providing direct patient care, including performing abortions. 

Abortion is legal in Washington state, but patients from other states may seek treatment here if their state outlaws the procedure. 

“My office will do everything it can to counter attacks on reproductive health and the physicians who provide essential care," said Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler. “As states like Texas threaten legal and criminal action against physicians, the OIC is determined to counter this by assisting medical malpractice insurers wherever we can.”