California gears up to protect reproductive rights for women

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV)- California declared it will be a safe haven for women seeking an abortion. State lawmakers signed legislation that would protect women.

That includes AB 1666 which protects people from civil liability for providing, aiding, or receiving abortion care, SCA 10 a constitutional amendment that states abortion and contraceptives are a constitutional right, and more funding for reproductive health care services.

At least seven states have already banned abortion, others are on the way.
On Monday, Governor Newsom signed an executive order that would protect out-of-state women seeking reproductive health care.

“This state, California, will not hand over patients who come here to seek abortions or seek reproductive care,” said Newsom. “California will not cooperate.”

Lauren Babb, the Vice President of Public Affairs, with Planned Parenthood Mar Monte said they’ve preparing for this situation.

“We at Planned Parenthood Mar monte, we are prepared to serve up to 500 additional patients per week,” said Babb. “That's not to say we'll see those numbers immediately. But we are ready to provide for out of state patients.”

Babb said from July 2021 to April 2022, they've seen twice the number of out of state patients seeking abortion care.

Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade, Babb expects those numbers to only grow.

KION also reached out to Monterey Peninsula for Life, a local pro-life group based on the Central Coast. KION asked how to group plans to help women who are facing an unplanned pregnancy.

“There's a whole family of support waiting for them to help,” said David Brownfield with Monterey Peninsula for Life. “Different pregnancy centers in the area. When those pregnancy can't provide that equipment, maybe we can provide that equipment.”

The state government also announced setting aside millions of dollars for reproductive care.

“We're already training additional abortion providers,” said Babb. “We'll also be able to expand our footprint in the Central Valley and continue extend our clinic care hours and the primary care we're already providing.”

Pro-life groups, like Right to Life believe the money should also go towards maternal care services.

“How about funding equally,” said Susan Swift, the Vice President of Legal Affairs with the Right to Life League. “Another 120 million dollars for child care services, maternal care, pre-natal, and post-natal care and see what women actually choose.”

While Roe V. Wade has been overturned, Right to Life also said their work isn't done. It's a renewed effort to defend life.