Washington legal term
Abortion in Washington Criminal Law
Current through 2026 Washington legislative session
In Washington criminal law, “Abortion” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the Washington criminal code.
What does “Abortion” mean in Washington criminal law?
"Abortion" means any medical treatment intended to induce the termination of a pregnancy except for the purpose of producing a live birth. (RCW 9.02.170)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.