A powerful call for change echoed through the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee meeting on March 14, 2025, as advocates urged lawmakers to support Substitute Senate Bill 15 93. This legislation aims to protect pregnant individuals from criminal investigations following pregnancy losses, a move seen as crucial in addressing systemic racism and medical discrimination faced by Black birthing people.

Testimonies highlighted alarming statistics: Black birthing individuals in King County are dying from perinatal complications at a rate 2.9 times higher than their white counterparts, with Black infants experiencing double the mortality rate. Advocates emphasized that these disparities stem from chronic stress linked to racial discrimination, which they termed "medical weathering." This term describes the harmful biological changes that arise from navigating systemic racism, ultimately impacting maternal and infant health.

Betty Hernandez, a perinatal consultant, stressed the need for support rather than criminalization for those experiencing pregnancy loss. She pointed out that many families lack adequate resources and face additional stress from potential investigations, which could exacerbate health complications. Similarly, Rosalind Arch from the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence warned that outdated laws could further endanger survivors of abuse, who may already be vulnerable during pregnancy.

Dara Srinivasan, a survivor services advocate, echoed these sentiments, stating that the bill would remove harmful language from existing laws that could lead to unnecessary investigations into stillbirths. She highlighted the risk of abusers using the legal system to exert control over their partners, further complicating their trauma.

However, not all voices were in favor. Mary Long, representing Conservative Ladies of Washington, opposed the bill, arguing that it would limit the ability of medical examiners to investigate infant deaths, potentially leaving families without crucial answers about their losses.

As the committee deliberates, the implications of this bill extend beyond legal reform; it represents a critical step toward addressing the intersection of race, health, and justice in Washington State. Advocates are hopeful that by passing this legislation, they can foster a more compassionate and equitable healthcare system for all families.