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SACRAMENTO — As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to return to the White House and abortion rights advocates warn of an uncertain future, California lawmakers are promoting the state as a “refuge” for reproductive rights. We are hurrying to submit a bill that reaffirms the role of the government.
Abortion remains legal in California, which has the highest reproductive rights in the nation. Unlike some states, there is no waiting period or counseling required before the procedure, and minors can obtain abortions without parental involvement. In 2022, voters solidified access to abortion in state constitutions after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned federal rights and restricted health care for millions of women.
But as President Trump prepares to take control of the White House again, California’s Democratic leaders say they have enough in place to ensure reproductive access in case the federal government shrinks further. It is adamant that no measures have been taken.
“The truth is, this is an urgent and dangerous situation,” California Atty said. Gen. Rob Bonta pointed to new legal challenges to the distribution of abortion pills at a press conference in Sacramento on Monday. “Right-wing extremists continue to launch attack after attack on our bodily autonomy at the expense of the health and lives of pregnant women.”
Bonta, a Democrat, said the new bill would make California’s reproductive rights “iron-clad.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s previous focus on abortion rights after President Trump’s first term, including an ad campaign in a red state, drew criticism from California Republicans skeptical of his national political motives. While the move has drawn criticism from some, it has also drawn praise from supporters who say it’s better to be safe than sorry. He has signed dozens of bills to strengthen abortion access in recent years, but some of his plans have proven to be more flash than substance. For example, a temporary law allowing doctors licensed in Arizona to perform abortions in California expired without being used by any doctors.
“He’s someone who makes big statements, but he’s not one to execute those policies very well,” said James Gallagher, Yuba City’s Assembly Republican leader. “It’s like his MO has become to make a big splash, and then nothing comes of it.”
But Democrats believe abortion access needs to be strengthened, given the uncertainty surrounding President Trump’s plan. A bill introduced this week aims to ensure the availability of mifepristone and misoprostol, a commonly used two-step medical abortion process, even if the Trump administration tries to intervene. .
The question is how anti-abortion officials can reinstate and interpret the Comstock Act, a federal law that once prohibited the mailing of “obscene” materials related to abortion.
President Trump has said he has no plans to ban abortion nationwide, but he has flipped on the issue multiple times, and conservatives who overturned federal abortion rights in the landmark Dobbs decision He takes credit for appointing Supreme Court justices.
Reproductive health advocates are concerned that under his second term, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration could restrict access to abortion pills. President Trump has appointed Dr. Marty McCulley to lead the FDA. The doctor has repeated his anti-abortion message on Fox News about fetal pain, which is disputed by major medical organizations.
A California bill by Rep. Maggie Krell (D-Sacramento), a former Planned Parenthood lawyer and new member of the Legislature, would ensure that Californians have access to medication abortions for the foreseeable future, and would ensure that “manufacturers… It is intended to protect “distributors, licensed health care providers and individuals” from any risks. Legal action against distribution or administration of pills.
“New threats to the availability of mifepristone and misoprostol have emerged, and California may not be able to guarantee continued supply,” the bill states. “Previously, Governor Newsom implemented a plan to stockpile misoprostol. Although this effort was successful, the state Legislature has decided to update the stockpile so that Californians can continue to exercise their constitutional rights.” I decided it was necessary.”
Last year, Newsom rushed to stockpile hundreds of thousands of abortion pills after a Texas judge invalidated the drug’s approval.
“We will not bow to extremists who seek to outlaw these important abortion services. Medication abortion remains legal in California,” Newsom said at the time.
But the state, facing an expiration date, released the stockpile to the public before the U.S. Supreme Court ruled against the Texas court’s ruling.
In Washington, Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee chose to hold a similar stockpile in case Trump is re-elected.
A spokesperson for Newsom said California is “ready” to procure more pills if needed.
In another precaution, Newsom signed a law last year that temporarily allows abortion providers in Arizona to perform abortions in California. The case comes after the Arizona Supreme Court reinstated an 1800s law that essentially banned all abortions.
The program expired Dec. 1, although Arizona providers ultimately did not take advantage of it, according to the California Department of Consumer Affairs. In Arizona, concerns were allayed when Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs signed a bill overriding the court ruling, and voters passed an amendment to the state constitution last month guaranteeing the right to abortion.
The California law was “designed to serve as a quick gap measure to maintain continued access to abortion care if needed during this highly volatile time,” California Consumers said. Monica Vargas, a spokeswoman for the department, said in an email when The Times requested the data. Regarding use of the program.
Last year, Mr. Newsom also signed legislation that allows medical trainees from states with “hostile” laws to receive abortion training in California. The state does not require the Medical Board of California to track whether its programs are being used as intended, a spokeswoman said.
To Republican commentators like Gallagher, these shows are examples of “political theater” aimed at drawing attention to an issue rather than offering substantive policy. Newsom called for a special legislative session in Sacramento this week to prepare for a legal battle with Trump on issues such as abortion and immigration. The move has been hailed by liberals as prudent preparation for an unpredictable president and criticized by conservatives as unnecessary panic.
“Abortion is constitutionally protected in California, and we have a president-elect who has made it clear that he does not support a national abortion ban,” Gallagher said. “This perceived threat that they’re trying to make into a political volley… it’s just Newsom drawing attention to himself.”
Some abortion supporters are being cautious, saying they would prefer a nimble governor like Newsom, even if emergency plans don’t always work.
“Now more than ever, we need innovative policy solutions,” said Essential Health Access spokesperson Shannon Olivieri Hovis. “And inevitably, not all solutions we propose will be equally effective.”
Other bills introduced this week to close California’s reproductive health access gap include imposing financial penalties on cities and counties that block the construction of abortion clinics, as has happened in Beverly Hills and Fontana. It also includes suggestions.
Rep. Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) has introduced a series of bills that would ensure hospitals enforce laws requiring emergency rooms to provide abortion care. Make contraception more accessible to Medi-Cal recipients. Prevent birth centers from closing.
Approximately 40% of California does not have abortion clinics, including rural areas with poor transportation. The state sued Humboldt County Catholic Hospital in September after a patient claimed she was denied an emergency abortion even though her life was at risk due to the risk of miscarriage.
Mia Bonta, who is married to the attorney general, addressed President Trump’s comments, saying, “I am completely calm about the political and social moment we are facing right now, where we have a president who is clearly a misogynist.” I have to make a decision,” he said. Allegations of sexual abuse and the phrase “your body, my choice” skyrocketed after the election.
“I think California has done a great job, but we still have a lot of work to do to strengthen our support infrastructure for people seeking access to health care, abortion, and protection of reproductive and sexual freedom.”
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