About GCCWA

What is Guaranteed Comprehensive Health Care in Washington State about?

Washington is one of the most progressive states for patient’s rights and the scope of health care options.  Patients receiving care expect treatment to be based on sound medical counsel, informed consent, a trusting patient-provider relationship, and the right to patient autonomy. (Link)

 Presently, almost 50% of hospital beds in our state are governed by Ethical and Religious Directives of the Catholic church. These directives dictate the care given or denied in all Catholic and Catholic affiliated hospitals.   Access to care should not be based on religious restrictions rather should be guided by medical evidence and clinical principles. The basic tenants of comprehensive health care are patient-focused and compassionate. Patients should not be forced to forfeit their autonomy and accept care based on someone else’s religious beliefs or governed by their religious directives. The restrictions limit abortion and reproductive rights in all forms. These include contraception from birth control pills, IUD’s and sterilization.  Infertility care treatment and surrogacy are forbidden. Gender affirming care is strictly forbidden, both surgically and with hormonal treatment. Denied or delayed miscarriage care has increased the risk of pregnancy dramatically in our state.   Lack of informed consent and withholding care that is legal and available in our state are often in direct conflict with standard medical practice as well as medical ethics.

End of Life decisions such as patient directed dying (Death with Dignity) are denied.