In response to the imminent near-total abortion ban set to be enforced in Arizona this June, Governor Gavin Newsom, alongside the California Legislative Women’s Caucus, has announced urgent legislation to enable Arizona abortion providers to offer abortion care to Arizona patients within California.
The impending implementation of an 1864 near-total abortion ban by the Arizona Supreme Court will deprive women in Arizona of essential abortion care statewide. With Arizona abortion providers facing severe restrictions and repercussions, Governor Newsom and the California Women’s Caucus are introducing new legislation to empower Arizona abortion care providers to temporarily extend their services into California, catering to Arizona patients who travel to California for abortion care.
“Arizona Republicans continue to endanger women’s lives by embracing an antiquated law passed when Arizona was a territory, not even a state. California will not stand by silently. We are swiftly advancing legislation to grant Arizona doctors the ability to deliver safe and reliable reproductive care to Arizonans here in California,” remarked Governor Gavin Newsom.
The urgency of this legislative action arises from the impending void in abortion care accessibility for tens of thousands of Arizonans, signifying a critical juncture for women’s reproductive health rights. Governor Newsom’s proposed legislation, in collaboration with the California Women’s Caucus, aims to address this dire situation by allowing licensed Arizona abortion providers to operate legally within California, enabling them to continue serving their Arizona patients across the state border.
First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom emphasized the significance of California’s proactive stance in safeguarding women’s health and bodily autonomy against regressive anti-woman measures.