California Builds on National Reproductive Freedom Leadership
CALIFORNIA – The California Future of Abortion Council (CA FAB Council) steering committee, comprised of the National Health Law Program, ACCESS REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE, Black Women for Wellness Action Project, Essential Access Health, NARAL Pro-Choice California, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, and Training in Early Abortion for Comprehensive Healthcare (TEACH), released the following statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom signing the historic legislative package supported by the California Future of Abortion Council.
“California continues to take historic steps towards its promise to be a Reproductive Freedom state – not just protecting access to abortion care in the face of Roe v. Wade being overturned, but moving forward centering equity and expanding access to help people, regardless of where they call home, get the essential care they want or need here in California.”
“This bill package, in addition to the $200+ million in new funding, will go a long way in helping people seeking care in California and the community organizations and providers already on the ground doing the work across the state.”
“By signing this bill package, Governor Newsom is putting an exclamation mark on a year-long effort by California reproductive health, rights, and justice leaders and policymakers to prepare and respond to the U.S Supreme Court overturning 50 years of precedent and eliminating the federally protected right to abortion.”
National Health Law Program Director of Reproductive and Sexual Health Fabiola Carrión also celebrated the signing:
“The bills signed today put California on track to be a place where abortion isn’t just legal – but also accessible and affordable for people who live in California and those who travel here seeking abortion care. This bill package centers the sexual and reproductive health needs of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color, people with disabilities, people in rural areas, young people, immigrants, and those having difficulty making ends meet. The fundamental right to make decisions about our bodies, lives, and futures is essential to the pursuit of health equity and racial, reproductive, and economic justice.”
The historic legislative package stemmed from the CA FAB Council report that was released in December 2021 anticipating the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision. The report outlined policy recommendations and solutions needed to expand, protect, and make access equitable for anyone seeking care in California in a post-Dobbs world – ensuring California continues to lead the country as a Reproductive Freedom state.
The California Future of Abortion Council looks forward to continuing this important work during the upcoming legislation session beginning in January 2023.
Read more about the 2022 accomplishments and the entire CA FAB Council legislative package here.
The “California Future of Abortion Council” (CA FAB Council) is comprised of reproductive freedom and sexual and reproductive health care allies, partners, and leaders. The CA FAB Council works in collaboration with policymakers, researchers, advocates, providers, patients, and key constituents to determine potential challenges in the state and recommend solutions that will continue to provide access and stability for both Californians and those who may seek services here from out of state. The CA FAB Council allows for those dedicated to protecting reproductive rights and expanding access to sexual and reproductive health care to come together.
