In response to Arizona’s near-total abortion ban, which is set to take effect on June 8, California Governor Gavin Newsom has proposed a measure that would allow Arizona doctors in good standing to provide abortions to their patients in California. This temporary solution, which would expire at the end of November, aims to circumvent the restrictive law and protect access to reproductive healthcare. Newsom, widely considered a potential presidential candidate, has made defending abortion access a priority of his administration. He has previously pushed for enshrining abortion access into the California Constitution, allocated taxpayer funds to assist women from other states seeking abortions in California, and signed laws to prevent other states from investigating women who travel to California for abortion services. Despite California’s strong record on abortion rights, Newsom’s proposal underscores the urgency of protecting access to reproductive healthcare in the face of growing restrictions in other states. The proposal has garnered support from the California Legislative Women’s Caucus and advocates, who have condemned the Arizona law as draconian. The measure now requires a two-thirds vote in each house of the California Legislature before reaching Newsom’s desk. If passed, it would take effect immediately and provide a lifeline for Arizona patients seeking abortion care.
Newsom Proposes California Protection for Arizona Abortion Patients
