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SB 5096

Removing references to pregnancy from the model directive form under the natural death act.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jess Bateman and 10 co-sponsors

SB 5096 removes pregnancy-related language from Washington's Natural Death Act advance directive form, affecting end-of-life medical decision-making documentation for pregnant individuals.

By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
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Bill Summary · SB 5096

Legislative bill overview

SB 5096 proposes to remove references to pregnancy from the model directive form used under Washington's Natural Death Act, which governs advance directives and end-of-life decision-making. The bill would update the standardized form that healthcare providers use when discussing patient wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment.

Why is this important

The Natural Death Act's model directive form currently includes pregnancy-specific language that may reflect outdated medical and legal frameworks. Updating this form affects how patients communicate end-of-life preferences and could influence medical decision-making for pregnant individuals facing terminal illness or severe medical conditions.

Potential points of contention

  • Reproductive rights vs. fetal protection: Removal of pregnancy language may be viewed by some as weakening protections for fetal life, while others see it as respecting pregnant individuals' autonomy in medical decision-making
  • Medical decision-making clarity: Stakeholders may disagree on whether removing pregnancy references creates ambiguity in how healthcare providers should handle directives for pregnant patients
  • Scope of "natural death" context: Questions about whether pregnancy is medically relevant to advance directive discussions or represents a separate ethical category requiring distinct documentation

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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