FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, June 23, 2023
Contact: [email protected]
The California Future of Abortion Council (CA FAB) steering committee, comprised of ACCESS REPRODUCTIVE JUSTICE, Black Women for Wellness Action Project (BWWAP), California Coalition for Reproductive Freedom, California Latinas for Reproductive Justice (CLRJ), Essential Access Health, NARAL Pro-Choice California, National Health Law Program, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, and TEACH (Training in Early Abortion for Comprehensive Healthcare) issued the following statement to mark one year since the Supreme Court’s Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization ruling, which overturned Roe v. Wade:
“In the year since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, we have witnessed the devastating impact of the loss of federally-protected abortion access in communities around the country. The landscape for abortion access has shifted significantly, both in states that are hostile to abortion and states that support access, and these impacts have been disproportionately felt by marginalized people including people of color, people with low incomes, immigrants, and young people. Despite Roe being unjustly overturned, California’s role as a sanctuary state remains and it continues to welcome people traveling from states with oppressive abortion bans to access affordable abortion care. Reproductive health, rights, and justice advocates have worked together since 2021 as part of the California Future of Abortion Council (CA FAB Council) to identify and push for policy changes that have helped California prioritize the needs of pregnant people, prepare for an increase in patients seeking abortion care from out of state, and address long-existing disparities in access to abortion among Californians.
“In partnership with our allies in state government, the CA FAB Council has been proud to help California lead the way in expanding abortion access and providing a bold roadmap for advocates and policymakers seeking to ensure reproductive freedom in other states. California leaders have passed historic legislation that brings us closer to making abortion access for all a reality, including policies to protect abortion providers and abortion seekers from being targeted by the criminal legal system, closing gaps in insurance coverage for abortion care, and authorizing additional health care professionals to provide safe abortion care.
“We believe that everyone should be able to make their own decisions about their pregnancies, without barriers or outside interference. There is still more work to be done to achieve this goal. The CA FAB Council will continue to work diligently to build on the promise of making California a Reproductive Freedom State by pushing for policies that will further reduce financial and logistical barriers to abortion access, increase provider capacity, and ensure comprehensive sexual health education that is inclusive of abortion education. We urge the California legislature to build on our state’s hard-won progress and pass outstanding legislative priorities for safeguarding abortion access in California.”
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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. Learn more here.
