Arizona doctors could give their patients abortions in California under a proposal announced Wednesday by Gov. Gavin Newsom as part of an effort to circumvent a ban on nearly all abortions in that state.
It would apply only to doctors licensed in good standing in Arizona and their patients and last only through the end of November. Newsom said protecting access to abortions is “just about basic decency” and “respect for women and girls.”
Arizona’s long-defunct 1864 law banning nearly all abortions except if the mother’s life is in jeopardy goes into effect on June 8 — although the Arizona House on Wednesday advanced a repeal of the law.
“This Arizona law is the first border-state law that will directly impact the state of California,” the governor said. “Rather than just acknowledging that fate and future, we’re trying to get ahead of this law.”
Newsom joined the California Legislative Women’s Caucus and pro-choice advocates to announce the proposal. Lawmakers called the Arizona law “draconian” and said California had an obligation to get involved. The bill would need to pass by a two-thirds vote in each house of the state Legislature before reaching Newsom’s desk. After he signs it, it will go into effect immediately.