California May Pay Expenses for Women Seeking Abortions From Other States
Democratic leaders want to make California a ‘sanctuary’ if Roe v Wade is overturned or curtailed
Gov. Gavin Newsom said he is aware that more women may travel to California seeking abortions and is examining proposals to accommodate them.PHOTO: ANDREW KUHN/ASSOCIATED PRESS
By
Christine Mai-Duc
Dec. 8, 2021 3:51 pm ET
California political leaders are looking for ways to provide financial and logistical support to women who come to the state seeking abortions if Roe v. Wade is overturned or severely curtailed, including possibly paying for gas, lodging, and child care, as well as compensating providers for services rendered to low-income patients.
The proposals are some of the 45 recommendations put forth in a report by a group of abortion providers and advocates with input and support from leaders of the overwhelmingly Democratic Legislature. It comes as the state prepares for a possible influx of people from areas that could pass abortion restrictions if the Supreme Court limits or ends the constitutional right to abortion.
Abortions rights supporters and opponents have said they believe such a move is possible in a current case involving a Mississippi lawbanning abortions for women more than 15 weeks pregnant.
Democratic state Senate leader Toni Atkins, one of the most powerful leaders in Sacramento, released a statement alongside the report saying she and her colleagues would work with the group to “ensure Californians and people from every state can get the reproductive health services they need in a safe and timely way.”
Gov. Gavin Newsom told the Associated Press in a recent interview that some of the report’s details will be reflected in his January budget proposal. In a statement, Mr. Newsom said he takes the group’s recommendations seriously.
“We’ll be a sanctuary,” the Democrat told the AP, adding that he’s aware more women may travel to California seeking abortions. “We are looking at ways to support that inevitability and looking at ways to expand our protections.”
Neither he nor legislative leaders have said which specific proposals they plan to take up when the state Legislature reconvenes in January.
The group was formed in September, soon after Texas enacted a law effectively outlawing abortions after six weeks. Its report was prepared with input from legislative leaders and members of the Newsom administration.
A report released in October by the Guttmacher Institute estimated that the number of people who might drive to California to seek abortions could increase to 1.4 million from 46,000 if Roe v. Wade was overturned. The majority would come from neighboring Arizona, the research group that supports abortion rights said.
Jodi Hicks, the president of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, said she expects to see a legislative package addressing some of the group’s recommendations soon after the Legislature reconvenes in January.
California is regarded as one of the least restrictive states when it comes to abortions, according to the Guttmacher Institute, and some state money already goes toward groups that assist people seeking abortions who travel from out of state.
Write to Christine Mai-Duc at christine.maiduc@wsj.com
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