OLYMPIA, WA (AP) – Gov. Jay Inslee is taking steps to further protect abortion rights in Washington.

Gov. Inslee announced on Tuesday, June 11, that Washington will spell out in state law that hospitals must provide abortions in emergency situations.

There hasn’t been any indication that patients have been denied emergency abortions in Washington, but Inslee says he wants to remove any doubt.

“This directive is necessary because the state statute, beneficial as it is, does not specifically include this. It makes reference to it and that is why we are clarifying and directing this through a rule of the Department of Health,” Inslee said.

Inslee’s announcement comes as the U.S. Supreme Court is expected to rule this month on whether conservative states can bar abortions during medical emergencies.

Most Republican-controlled states have imposed restrictions on abortion since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade two years ago, eliminating the right to terminate a pregnancy under federal law.

14 states, including Idaho, have banned abortion at all stages of pregnancy with limited exceptions.

Inslee says the number of women coming to Washington from out of state for abortions has jumped by 50% since Roe v. Wade was overturned.