“With today’s Supreme Court decision to endanger the health and safety of millions of women across the country, California must do everything it can to protect the fundamental rights of all women – in California and beyond,” said Governor Newsom. “We know that states like Missouri are already targeting women seeking abortions in states like California where abortion remains legal. This legislation seeks to protect women and care providers from civil liability imposed by other states, and sends a clear message that California will continue to be a safe haven for all women seeking reproductive health care services in our state.”
Alabama Arizona Arkansas Georgia Idaho Iowa Kentucky Louisiana Michigan Mississippi Missouri |
North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming |
Four additional states already restrict abortion and are likely to have bans in effect soon:
Florida Indiana |
Montana Nebraska |
The Governor was joined today in Sacramento by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon (D-Lakewood), California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California President/CEO Jodi Hicks, NARAL’s California Director Shannon Olivieri Hovis, and members of the California Legislative Women’s Caucus — Assemblymembers Mia Bonta and Lori D. Wilson.
“As a mother, I’m outraged that children today will grow up in a country where women have fewer rights than my generation had, but I know history will show that the Supreme Court’s ruling does not reflect the values of our nation,” said First Partner Siebel Newsom. “In one week, the Court has made it clear that it believes guns are entitled to more rights and protections than women. This is insane. And, it’s a ruling that will have grave consequences for women’s health, safety, economic security, and ability to live and thrive across this country. That’s why I’m proud to reside in, and raise my children in California where our Governor, Administration, and Legislature trust women, and respect our authority to make decisions about our own reproductive health and futures.”
In response to the Supreme Court’s decision this morning, Governor Newsom and the governors of Oregon and Washington launched a new Multi-State Commitment to defend access to reproductive health care and protect patients and providers.
“This is a dark moment for our country,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “This court’s decision is outrageous, unprecedented, and dangerous. It blasts our nation back into the dark ages. Millions are now facing a stark reality when it comes to their right to choose. People all across the nation — their bodies, futures, and families — will be hurt by this decision. But, in California, we refuse to turn back the clock and let politicians exert control over a person’s body. Despite the decision, abortion remains fully protected here in California. We’ll keep fighting to strengthen and expand access to safe and legal abortion. As Attorney General, I will use the full force of the law and the full authority of my office to protect reproductive healthcare for every person who seeks it in California. Abortion remains a legally protected right in our state and, in California, we won’t backslide.”
“Extremist laws – now deemed constitutional – will pursue our incredible providers for the care they provide, will penalize vulnerable people desperately seeking abortions in a last effort to control their own lives,” said Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan. “ In California we won’t let this happen. I am incredibly grateful to the governor for signing AB 1666, which will immediately protect anyone in California from civil penalties for abortion. We will continue to fight and be a sanctuary for abortion care.”
Governor Newsom has proposed a $125 million Reproductive Health Package to expand access for women and help prepare for the influx of women seeking reproductive health care from other states. In addition, the California Legislature has introduced a constitutional amendment to enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution. Governor Newsom recently signed legislation eliminating copays for abortion care services and has signed into law a legislative package to further strengthen access and protect patients and providers.
For full text of today’s bill, visit: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.