On Thursday, Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a controversial bill into law that allows Arizona abortion providers to temporarily offer abortions to patients from Arizona who travel to California for the procedure. This move is seen by many conservatives as yet another attempt by California to impose its progressive policies on neighboring states.
Newsom signed SB 233 in direct response to a long-standing Arizona law from 1864, which prohibits abortion except to save the mother’s life. Earlier this year, the Arizona Supreme Court ruled that the state can enforce this law. As reported by Townhall, Newsom has been working to enable Arizona abortion providers to be quickly approved to practice in California as a way to circumvent Arizona’s abortion restrictions.
From now until November 30, 2024, Arizona doctors will be able to provide abortions and related care for Arizona patients in California if Arizona’s strict ban takes effect. This arrangement is intended to ensure continued access to abortion services when Arizona’s 15-week ban is in effect. California, sharing a roughly 200-mile-long border with Arizona, is prepared to offset additional costs faced by Arizona providers and patients through philanthropic funds provided by groups like Essential Access and Red, Wine, and Blue.
“Arizona Republicans tried to turn back the clock to 1864 to impose a near-total abortion ban across their state,” Newsom said in a statement. “We refuse to stand by and acquiesce to their oppressive and dangerous attacks on women.” This statement underscores his commitment to protecting what he views as reproductive freedom, despite significant opposition from those who believe in the sanctity of life and states’ rights.
Newsom praised the California Legislative Women’s Caucus and other partners for their swift action in providing this “backstop” and reiterated California’s stance on protecting abortion rights. Last month, in an interview with former White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki, Newsom declared, “No state has more responsibility, more opportunity, no bigger burden than the state of California,” highlighting his view that California should lead the nation in upholding abortion rights.
This law further exemplifies the deep divide between conservative and progressive states on the issue of abortion. While California continues to expand access to abortion, states like Arizona are seeking to uphold more restrictive laws, reflecting the ongoing national debate over the right to life versus reproductive rights.
