Several reproductive healthcare-related measures have either already taken effect or will at the start of the year in response to the United State Supreme Court’s decision to overturn federal abortion protections, which restricted access to the procedure in several states.
This includes laws that protect medical records and cooperation with out-of-state entities regarding abortion restrictions (AB 2091, AB 1242), expands abortion training options and providers (SB 1375), and protections for people from criminal or civil liabilities for pregnancy loss or abortion (AB 2223).
NO PROSECUTIONS FOR ABORTION OR PREGNANCY LOSS
The measure authored by Assemblywoman Buffy Wicks, D-Oakland, AB 2223 — known to the religious right as the “Infanticide Bill” — formally bans prosecution for failed and terminated pregnancies. Under existing law, coroners are required to investigate and register fetal deaths after 20 weeks, unless they are the result of a legal abortion. AB 2223 will bar such investigations and any subsequent prosecution.
The bill was supported by NARAL Pro-Choice California, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California, and ACLU California Action.
Pregnancy criminalization, according to ACLU California Action, is a “rising threat.”
The group targeted two women in the Central Valley, Adora Perez and Chelsea Becker, who were both prosecuted for losing their pregnancies, as an example of the bill’s need.
“AB 2223 would help ensure that no person in our state is ever investigated, prosecuted, or imprisoned for losing or ending their pregnancy,” the group said.
NO PUNISHMENT FOR NURSES, NURSE PRACTITIONERS OR MIDWIVES
Under the existing Medical Practice Act, anyone other than a medical doctor who performs an abortion is liable to be disciplined by professional licensure boards.
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