Amid the controversy caused by Texas passing a new law that bans abortions after about six weeks of pregnancy, Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kriedler has issued a statement denouncing the legislation.
In addition to prohibiting abortion after a set period of time, the new Texan law also allows private citizens to sue abortion providers and anyone else who helps a woman obtain an abortion – this includes those who give a woman a ride to a clinic or those who provide financial assistance for the procedure.
Immediately after the passage of the law, Kriedler issued a statement condemning the legislation.
“The Republican party in Texas has once again shown its blatant disregard for women’s rights. The new law that effectively bans abortions in the state cannot be allowed to stand,” the insurance commissioner said.
Kriedler, who holds a master’s degree in public health from UCLA, explained that the Texas law is “a threat to women’s health,” additionally warning that if it is allowed to stand, it could become a model for other states to restrict the ability of women to make their own health decisions.
The insurance commissioner also had scathing remarks for the legislators responsible for the law, comparing them to the Taliban.
“Texas Republicans have become America’s own version of the Taliban. Once again, Republicans are showing how little they care for women’s rights and health,” Kriedler said. “I will do everything in my power to make sure this Taliban-like move by Texas never finds a place in the state of Washington.”
“I urge everyone committed to women’s rights and health to take action to overturn this grotesque and backwards law in Texas. It is a threat to all of us.”
