Golden State Today

Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom released statements today to mark the second anniversary of the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which eliminated the constitutional right to abortion care.

"Two years ago today, the extreme conservative majority of the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the constitutional right to abortion in this country – in the years since, over a dozen states have passed abortion bans that put essential care out of reach for the people who need it most," Governor Newsom stated. "Conservative lawmakers and judges continue to attack abortion, IVF, and birth control, but those of us who cherish freedom and individual liberty will always protect these essential rights. If you are no longer able to get abortion care in your home state, California has the resources and support available to help you exercise your reproductive freedom – and we will always stand ready to fight."

First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom added, "Since the overturning of Roe v. Wade, women’s most intimate decisions about their health and futures have been consistently legislated at the state level and rolled back by conservative extremists who have prioritized control over women’s bodies over our health, safety and well-being. But in California, we’ve never stopped working to protect and expand reproductive rights, serving as a safe haven for those who live here and those who travel here for care."

In response to the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision that led to Roe v. Wade being overturned, Governor Newsom has taken several steps:

- In June 2022, he signed legislation protecting patients and providers in California from anti-abortion laws enacted by other states.

- He invested over $200 million in reproductive health care.

- Issued an Executive Order safeguarding state-held data from out-of-state anti-abortion groups.

- Collaborated with Oregon and Washington governors on a Multi-State Commitment to defend access to reproductive health care.

Further actions included launching Abortion.CA.Gov in September 2022 for comprehensive information on reproductive health care; ensuring passage of significant reproductive freedom legislation; posthumously pardoning California abortion provider Laura Miner; advocating for Proposition 1 which enshrined reproductive freedom into California's constitution; forming alliances with other states' governors through initiatives like the Reproductive Freedom Alliance; securing emergency stockpiles of medication such as Misoprostol; filing amicus curiae briefs with the U.S. Supreme Court; signing SB 233 allowing Arizona providers temporary practice rights in California following restrictive laws in Arizona.

Since Roe v. Wade was overturned:

- Over $240 million has been invested by Governor Newsom into expanding access to reproductive healthcare.

- There was an 11.2% increase in abortions performed within California as of June 2023 compared to April 2022.

- The website Abortion.CA.Gov received visits from over 242,113 individuals.

Governor Newsom plans continued collaboration with both CA Legislature and Reproductive Freedom Alliance states amid increasing anti-abortion measures.

For more information or assistance regarding reproductive healthcare services in California, visit Abortion.CA.Gov.