SACRAMENTO—Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed a $125 million reproductive health package May 11, in an effort to declare California an abortion sanctuary for those living outside the state seeking the procedure.
“California will not stand idly by as extremists roll back our basic constitutional rights; we’re going to fight like hell, making sure that all women—not just those in California—know that this state continues to recognize and protect their fundamental rights,” Newsom said in a statement.
Newsom’s proposal comes after a draft decision was leaked May 2 written by U.S. Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito of the possible overturning of Roe v. Wade—the 1973 law that legalized abortion nationwide.
- $40 million for grants to reproductive health care providers to offset the cost of providing care to low-income women without health care coverage for abortions
- $15 million in grants for reproductive health organizations for outreach and education on reproductive health
- $1 million to create a website with information on abortion state law, information about reproductive health providers, and reproductive health service coverage
- $1 million for research on the need for reproductive health care access
Additionally, Newsom plans to assist businesses seeking to relocate to California from other states that are anti-abortion and anti-LGBT, according to the Governor’s office.
“We’re expanding access to these critical services, welcoming businesses and their employees fleeing anti-abortion states, and reaffirming our commitment to continuing to work closely with the Legislature and reproductive rights stakeholders to further solidify California’s leadership on abortion rights,” Newsom said.
Additional details to the plan will be revealed by Newsom May 13.
