Gov. Gavin Newsom signed in a new law that makes abortions cheaper in California for individuals with private insurance plans amid attacks on reproductive rights across the nation.
Put forth by Sen. Lena A. Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), the Abortion Accessibility Act (SB 245) prohibits health plans and insurers from imposing a co-pay, deductible, or another cost-sharing requirement for abortion and abortion-related services. It also prohibits health plans and insurers from imposing utilization management practices on covered abortion and abortion-related services.
“As states across the country attempt to move us backwards by restricting fundamental reproductive rights, California continues to protect and advance reproductive freedom for all,” said Governor Newsom. “With this legislation, we’ll help ensure equitable, affordable access to abortion services so that out-of-pocket costs don’t stand in the way of receiving care.”
California is one of six states that require health insurance plans to cover abortion services, but out-of-pocket costs for patients can exceed a thousand dollars.
The new legislation comes as the debate to overturn the 1973 Roe vs. Wade ruling lingers in the United States Supreme Court, potentially triggering a return to banning most abortion procedures in the United States.
If the ruling is overturned, at least 26 states are likely to either ban abortion outright or severely limit access, according to the Guttmacher Institute, a research and policy organization that supports abortion rights.
The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to decide this summer whether to uphold a law in Mississippi that bans abortions after 15 weeks of pregnancy.
In October, Governor Newsom announced the Administration’s participation in the California Future of Abortion Council, to collaborate with advocates, policymakers, providers, patients, and others on ways to advance the state’s reproductive freedom leadership. The Council’s recommendations included making abortion care more affordable and accessible by eliminating cost-sharing through the passage and enactment of SB 245, a press release from Newsom's office read.
“In the Golden State, we value women and recognize all they shoulder in their dual roles as caregivers and breadwinners. California will continue to lead by example and ensure all women and pregnant people have autonomy over their bodies and the ability to control their destinies,” First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom said.
