New CA Bill Introduced to Allow Nurse Practitioners to Perform Abortion Without Doctor Supervision

Protesters hold signs as they rally in support of Planned Parenthood and pro-choice and to protest a state decision that would effectively halt abortions by revoking the center's license to perform the procedure, near the Old Courthouse in St. Louis, Missouri, May 30, 2019. Saul Loeb/AFP via Getty Images

SAN DIEGO—A bill allowing nurse practitioners meeting specified criteria to practice without physician supervision—including first-trimester abortion—has been introduced by Senate President Pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), she announced on March 3.

Atkins said Senate Bill (SB) 1375 is intended to help address the shortage of health care professionals and complement recommendations from the California Future of Abortion Council as a way to strengthen abortion services.