Washington state plans to destroy approximately 30,000 doses of mifepristone, the dangerous abortion drug that has killed millions of babies and injured thousands of women.
As the stockpile nears its expiration date in early 2026, according to a report by KUOW, the state will destroy every single abortion pill.
The move has drawn attention from pro-life advocates, who view the destruction of the pills as a victory that could save the lives of babies across the state.
The state’s Department of Health confirmed the plan to dispose of the mifepristone, originally purchased in 2023 to ensure access to abortion drugs amid concerns over potential federal restrictions. The stockpile, costing $614,000, was intended to provide a three-year supply for women seeking abortions, particularly in response to legal challenges surrounding the drug’s availability.
REACH PRO-LIFE PEOPLE WORLDWIDE! Advertise with LifeNews to reach hundreds of thousands of pro-life readers every week. Contact us today.
Pro-life groups have criticized the state’s initial acquisition of the pills, arguing that the stockpile was amassed with the intent to facilitate abortions on a large scale.
The decision to destroy the expiring pills comes as demand for medication abortions in Washington has remained lower than anticipated. According to KUOW, only about one-fifth of the 150,000 doses purchased have been used, with 90,000 doses already distributed and the remaining 30,000 set for disposal due to expiration.
The state’s Department of Health noted that the stockpile was a precautionary measure to protect access to abortion services, but pro-life advocates argue the resources could have been directed toward supporting pregnant women and their unborn children.
The state’s proactive stockpiling in 2023 was spurred by fears of federal restrictions on mifepristone, particularly after legal battles challenging its approval by the Food and Drug Administration. However, with no immediate bans materializing, the surplus has led to questions about the state’s planning and priorities.
Pro-life advocates argue that the funds used to purchase the pills could have supported alternatives such as prenatal care, adoption services, or assistance for low-income mothers. The destruction of the unused doses, they say, underscores the need for policies that prioritize life-affirming options over abortion.
The Department of Health has not announced specific plans for future stockpiling but indicated that any remaining funds from the original purchase would be redirected to other health initiatives.
