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California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, has signed a bill that aims to make it easier for people seeking abortions in Arizona to get care in the Golden state in response to restrictions imposed on the procedure in the south-western state.
Under the new law, doctors licensed to perform abortions in Arizona could provide abortion care for their patients in California. The legislation offers medical providers an expedited path to getting their credentials in California.
“With SB 233 California offers a lifeline to Arizona doctors to provide the healthcare their patients need without fear of a prison sentence. Once again, California has made it loud and clear we will remain a safe haven for reproductive care,” the California Legislative Women’s caucus said in a statement after lawmakers approved the bill.
The law was introduced by the caucus and Newsom in response to the Arizona supreme court’s decision to allow an 1864 law banning nearly all abortions to go into effect. The decision sparked widespread outrage and condemnation in the swing state and fueled fears among Republicans about the potential blowback at the polls.
After intense outcry, lawmakers in the state ultimately moved to repeal the civil war-era ban, which was passed before Arizona became a state. The ban could stay in place for months, as Arizona legislation typically takes effect 90 days after the state legislative session comes to an end.
The new law in California allows Arizona doctors to treat their patients in the state through 30 November.
California has seen a surge of patients from out of state seeking reproductive care since the US supreme court overturned Roe v Wade, and expected to see that wave continue after the Arizona ban went into effect.
