Engell Raises Concerns Over State Website Language on Crisis Pregnancy Centers

State Rep. Andrew Engell (R-Colville) has raised concerns about a Washington State Department of Health webpage that warned residents to “avoid anti-abortion facilities;” language he and local advocates believed was directed at crisis pregnancy centers such as NEW Family Life Services in Colville.

Engell said the issue first surfaced after he attended a fundraiser for the local nonprofit pregnancy resource center last year, where attendees voiced concerns that the state was working against organizations like theirs. Engell said he later raised the topic with Gov. Bob Ferguson.

“He seemed surprised and asked why they felt that way,” Engell wrote in a social media post, adding that he told the governor he was unsure of the basis for the concerns but would look into the matter before “spreading it around.”

After the meeting, Engell said he spoke with leadership at NEW Family Life Services and reviewed a Department of Health webpage that described crisis pregnancy centers as “anti-abortion facilities.” The page stated such facilities may appear to be medical clinics but could lack licensed medical staff, may not follow medical privacy standards like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, and could potentially pressure patients not to have an abortion or provide misleading information. It also directed users to an Attorney General complaint form to report facilities or “fake abortion information.”

“It is easy to make a case that these centers are being targeted by the governor,” Engell said.

Engell said he asked the governor’s office to review the webpage and requested the Department of Health (DOH) remove it if it unfairly targeted pregnancy resource centers. He said he also met with DOH Secretary Dr. Umair A. Shah Worsham in December to discuss the issue and said the language was inappropriate for a government website. According to Engell, the agencies initially did not respond to his concerns. The governor’s office did not respond to comment requests from the Statesman-Examiner. 

“I was informed by DOH today that they have updated the website related to crisis pregnancy centers,” Engell said in a Feb. 12 update. “I’m grateful that they have toned it way down.”

In a statement, the Washington State Department of Health said its goal is to provide clear information to residents seeking reproductive health care.

“The Washington State Department of Health strives to ensure that information about reproductive health resources, including abortion services, is transparent, understandable, and centered on helping individuals navigate care safely and confidently, as protected by Washington state law,” the agency said.

The department added that its online resources are regularly reviewed and updated as policies and services change.

“DOH’s approach to public health information about crisis pregnancy centers is grounded in our responsibility to provide up-to-date information to Washington residents so that they understand the types of services different organizations may or may not provide,” the agency said.