Saturday marks the 49th anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's Roe vs. Wade Decision, and Gov. Gavin Newsom, alongside First Lady Jennifer Siebel Newsom affirmed statewide efforts to strengthen women's access to abortion in a virtual commemoration ceremony.
"In this year's budget we're doubling down on our commitment and improving access to essential services including supporting reproductive health care providers and workers and removing billing requirements," Gov. Newsom said.
The right to abortion was granted to women in every state in 1973 in a vote of 7 to 2. Nearly half a century later, the law is at risk of being overturned.
Under Gov. Newsom’s California Blueprint, the state leadership in advancing access to reproductive and sexual health care and protecting workers. It removes Medi-Cal requirements for in-person follow-up visits and ultrasounds to provide easier access to reproductive care.
Scholarships and loan repayments to health care providers that commit to providing reproductive health care services, funding for facilities to improve their IT systems, and enhancing security systems are offered. Gov. Newsom's plan includes funding to subsidize the cost of abortion care and make human papillomavirus vaccines a covered benefit.
In his first year in office, Gov. Newsom signed a Proclamation on Reproductive Freedom which reaffirmed protection of women's reproductive choices in California. This was one of several actions to protect reproductive and sexual health care for women.
On Thursday California Legislative Women's Caucus, Chair Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia (D-Bell Gardens), Vice-Chair Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley), Senate President pro-Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), and other caucus members announced a united in clarifying California’s stance in strengthening access to abortion services to all women, regardless of which state they come from.
“The Legislative Women's Caucus has, does, and will continue to support women and families at every turn," said Senate President pro-Tempore Atkins. "We will not let the backward policies of other states leave us without options or agency over our bodies. We remain committed to expanding and protecting access to abortion care for individuals and families, regardless of how much money they have or where they come from.”
It is estimated that California would become the closest no-ban state within driving distance for 1.4 million women if 26 states immediately ban or severely restrict abortions with the upcoming supreme court ruling.
The California Future of Abortion Council released a report last month highlighting policy recommendations that state leaders and lawmakers can take to increase access to safe, equitable, and affordable abortion care. Additionally, legislation was proposed by San Diego Assemblymember Dr. Akilah Weber to help cover the costs of abortion services for women lacking insurance.
The Supreme Court is slated to decide on Mississippi's ban on abortions after 15 weeks of pregncy, which could determine the fate of Roe v. Wade in June.
