With the United States Supreme Court ruling on abortion medications looming, Governor Gavin Newsom highlighted new actions California is taking to protect reproductive freedom, including medication abortion.
According to the press release sent out by the Governor’s office, California is taking additional actions to protect patients and the abortion medications they may need – no matter what happens in the case before the U.S. Supreme Court.
“California will continue to fight for people to have access to the health care they need when they need it,” the press release states.
These new actions include protecting pharmacists within California in dispensing the generic medication Mifepristone/Mifeprex, even if the Supreme Court suspends the drug’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, safeguarding California’s supply chain of medication abortion drugs under California law by preventing any legal or licensing actions against those who manufacture, transport, store, or dispense the medication.
The final new action is ensuring the privacy of patients and providers concerning reproductive health care performed in California, including when those patients travel or live out of state.
“Republicans are waging a war on women in this country – the courts and red-state legislatures have been relentless in their efforts to target them and health care providers who provide basic reproductive care,” Governor Newsom stated. “It is important for women across our state to know that we will continue to safeguard their reproductive freedoms, and to protect California pharmacists who dispense medication abortion, without fear of persecution or prosecution.”
Under Governor Newsom and the Legislature’s leadership, California has been a national leader in protecting and expanding access to reproductive health care. Yesterday’s announcements continue the State’s commitment to preserving this freedom.
“Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe a year ago, California has become the national beacon for reproductive freedom. No matter what the anti-abortion forces do next, we will leave no stone unturned to remain a safe haven for abortion care, contraception, and reproductive services. The Legislative Women’s Caucus thanks Governor Newsom for his forward-thinking action to stockpile abortion medication so that Californians can be confident that this safe medication remains available,” said Senator Nancy Skinner, who’s also the California Legislative Women’s Caucus Chair. “We are proud to stand with the Governor in taking all necessary steps to ensure full access to reproductive care and abortion services and to legally protect our healthcare providers and those who seek services.”
Yesterday’s action comes in stark contrast to the continued attacks made by judges and Republican leaders in other states, including:
- Governor DeSantis signed a 6-week abortion ban in the middle of the night and behind closed doors last week.
- Governor Youngkin refusing to shield menstrual data from law enforcement.
- Governor Little signed a bill making it illegal to help a minor get an abortion outside of Idaho without parental consent.
- Governor Huckabee Sanders signed a bill that builds an anti-abortion monument in the Arkansas Capitol building.
- Texas Republicans attempting to limit information about abortion on the internet.
- South Carolina Republicans attempting to punish people who get an abortion with the death penalty.
“For decades, medication abortion, including mifepristone, has been a protection, a lifeline, a key to a healthier and better future. The attack on access to mifepristone is unconscionable and unprecedented,” Attorney General Rob Bonta commented. “Here in California, we refuse to stand by and watch our people’s access to critical care be snatched away. That’s why today we stand together, firm in our commitment to fight like hell for Californians’ access to mifepristone. Abortion remains safe and legal in California and my office will continue to do everything in its power to ensure our state remains a haven for reproductive freedom and liberty.”
