Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-Calif., announced plans Sunday, April 21, to help Arizonans access reproductive rights. The new initiative follows an Arizona Supreme Court ruling that upholds a Civil War-era abortion ban.
Newsom is now pushing a bill that expedites the licensing process to allow Arizona abortion providers to offer services in California.
The California bill comes in response to Arizona’s impending abortion restrictions after the state’s high court upheld a near-total abortion ban dating back to 1864. The ban is set to take effect on May 1.
“A big part of my focus, and why I’m focused on Arizona and providing doctors in Arizona the ability to come into California through emergency legislation we’ll introduce with our Women’s Caucus this week is to address the crisis at hand,” Newsom said on MSNBC.
“We’re now doing that as it relates to being a good neighbor, not just to those that seek reproductive care and reproductive freedom, but also to our neighbors — particularly in Arizona,” Newsom said.
Former President Donald Trump has also criticized the Arizona decision, saying that upholding the ban went “too far.” Trump has also said that he would not sign a national abortion ban if elected president.
However, Newsom expressed skepticism about Trump’s stance. Newsom called Trump “a liar” and claimed that he will say whatever is politically convenient.
In addition to his legislative efforts, Newsom unveiled a new television ad targeting proposed legislation in Alabama.
The ad, titled “Fugitive,” highlighted the proposed criminalization of anyone helping minors obtain an abortion without parental consent.
“Our response must be in real time to be more assertive and proactive,” Newsom said.
