California Governor Approves Bill Allowing Arizona Doctors to Perform Abortions in California

Bill Signed by Governor Gavin Newsom

On May 23, Governor Gavin Newsom of California signed a bill into law that allows doctors from Arizona to travel to California temporarily to perform abortions for their patients. The bill, Senate Bill 233, was introduced by state Sen. Nancy Skinner of Oakland and Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry of Winters.

Details of Senate Bill 233

The bill permits licensed Arizona abortion providers to come to California and provide abortions or abortion-related care to patients from Arizona who travel to the state for such procedures until near the end of this year. Licensed Arizona doctors in good standing just need to fill out an application form with the Medical Board of California or the Osteopathic Medical Board of California to perform abortions. If they meet certain requirements, their approval will be granted within five business days.

Temporary Provision and Restrictions

Arizona licensed doctors who choose to come to the state temporarily will only be able to do so until Nov. 30, when California officials expect Arizona voters to approve an abortion measure on their state ballot. The bill also states that physicians are prohibited from providing care or consultation for other purposes or to other patients, except under the circumstances outlined in the legislation. Providing false information in the affidavit is punishable by a fine of up to $10,000, one year in prison, or both.

Reaction to Arizona Supreme Court Ruling

Senate Bill 233 was introduced in response to Arizona’s Supreme Court’s April 9 ruling which reimposed a “regressive 1864 law imposing a near-total abortion ban” that threatens to “almost completely curtail access to abortion care in Arizona.” The state Supreme Court last month upheld the 1864 ban on nearly all abortions in the state, except in cases where it will save the life of the mother.

Current Situation in Arizona

While the Arizona Legislature has since passed a bill repealing that ban, which Governor Katie Hobbs signed in early May, the ban will remain in effect until 90 days after the Arizona state Legislature’s session ends, which typically happens in June or July. Currently, Arizona law allows abortions up to 15 weeks of pregnancy.

Newsom's Statement and Reaction

In a statement on May 23, Governor Newsom praised the legislation while touting his efforts to “defend and advance” reproductive rights and women’s health care. However, Republican lawmakers and pro-life advocates have criticized Newsom, accusing him of taking California’s “abortion sanctuary” status to a “new level.”

Final Thoughts

This move by Governor Newsom has sparked a range of reactions, from praise for defending reproductive rights to criticism for promoting what some see as an "abortion sanctuary." What are your thoughts on this development? Share this article with your friends and let's have a conversation. Remember, you can sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is every day at 6pm.