AB 1356 strengthens protections, both online and in healthcare settings, for patients seeking reproductive health services

AB 1184 protects the privacy rights of people receiving sensitive health care services, such as reproductive health care and gender-affirming care

Governor lifts California Future of Abortion Council convened by reproductive rights and justice organizations to protect and expand access to reproductive health care in state

SACRAMENTO – In the face of unprecedented attacks on women’s health care and reproductive rights across the country, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the administration’s participation in a new advisory group, the California Future of Abortion Council , to advance state leadership in reproductive freedom and signed legislation strengthen the state’s commitment to ensure access to essential reproductive and sexual health services. The legislation will protect the privacy of patients seeking sensitive health services, including reproductive health care, and create new safeguards to protect patients and providers from harassment.

“California has been a leader in protecting access to sexual and reproductive rights, but as we have seen recently with unprecedented attacks on these rights, we can and must do more,” said the Governor Newsom. “I applaud the creation of the California Future of Abortion Council and look forward to its important work in advancing our state’s leadership on this vital issue. I am proud today to sign these two bills that demonstrate our commitment to further strengthen and protect access to reproductive health services in California.

AB 1356 by Assembly Member Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda) increases sentences for current crimes under the California Freedom of Access to Clinic Act and updates online privacy laws and training peace officers related to reproduction rights offenses. It creates new offenses resulting from recording or photographing patients or providers within 100 feet of the entrance to a reproductive health service facility.

AB 1184 by Assembly Member David Chiu (D-San Francisco) protects the privacy rights of people receiving sensitive health care services, including reproductive health care and gender care, by ensuring that patient information remains confidential if they are not the primary policyholder of their health insurance.

The action comes in the wake of attacks on sexual health care and reproductive rights across the country, including the U.S. Supreme Court’s failure to block Texas abortion ban after six weeks. California is a national leader in reproductive and sexual health protection and rights, and Governor Newsom’s actions today make it clear that the state will remain a safe haven for all Californians and those coming from across the country. out of state who seek reproductive health services here. The Administration’s participation in the new “California Future of Abortion Council” – launched by Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California (PPAC), NARAL-Pro Choice CA, Black Women for Wellness, ACCESS Reproductive Justice and National Health Law Program (NHelp) – work collaboratively with researchers, advocates, policy makers, providers, patients and key constituents to identify potential challenges that currently exist or may arise, and recommend solutions that will continue the state’s leadership in freedom reproductive.

In 2019, Governor Newsom signed a proclamation on reproductive freedom, reaffirming California’s commitment to protect women’s reproductive choices. The Governor has made investments to expand access to reproductive and sexual health care and signed several bills protecting the freedom to procreate, including SB 374 earlier this year and SB 24 and AB 1264 in 2019.

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