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West Coast States Create 'Safe Haven' for Abortion Access

Analysis  |  By John Commins  
   June 28, 2022

California, Oregon, and Washington form the Multi-State Commitment to Reproductive Freedom.

Minutes after the U.S. Supreme Court's landmark ruling on Friday overturning Roe v. Wade, California Gov. Gavin Newsom joined the governors of Oregon and Washington state with a pledge to make the West Coast a "safe haven" for abortion rights.

“The Supreme Court has made it clear – they want to strip women of their liberty and let Republican states replace it with mandated birth because the right to choose an abortion is not 'deeply rooted in history,'" Newsom said in a media release announcing the creation of the Multi-State Commitment to Reproductive Freedom.

"California has banded together with Oregon and Washington to stand up for women, and to protect access to reproductive healthcare," Newsom said. "We will not sit on the sidelines and allow patients who seek reproductive care in our states or the doctors that provide that care to be intimidated with criminal prosecution. We refuse to go back and we will fight like hell to protect our rights and our values."

Newsom has proposed a $125 million Reproductive Health Package to expand access for women and help prepare for the influx of women seeking abortions from other states. The California Legislature has introduced a constitutional amendment to enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution. Newsom recently signed legislation eliminating copays for abortions and has signed into law a legislative package to further strengthen access and protect patients and providers.

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown said "abortion is healthcare, and no matter who you are or where you come from, Oregon doesn't turn away anyone seeking healthcare. Period."

"Let me be clear: You cannot ban abortion, you can only ban safe abortions — and this disgraceful Supreme Court decision will undoubtedly put many people's lives at risk, in addition to stripping away a constitutional right that disproportionately affects women and has been settled law for most of our lifetimes," Brown said. "For all the Americans today feeling scared, angry and disappointed — for everyone who needs an abortion and does not know where they can access safe reproductive healthcare –– please know you are not alone, and the fight is not over."

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee said abortion rights laws in his state "remain unchanged," but he warned that "the threat to patient access and privacy has never been more dangerous."

"Even in Washington state, Republicans have introduced about 40 bills in the past six years to roll back abortion rights and access to reproductive care," Inslee said. "The right of choice should not depend on which party holds the majority, but that's where we find ourselves. More than half the nation's population now lacks safe access to a medical procedure that only a patient and their doctor can and should make for themselves."

"Instead, law enforcement, vigilantes and judicial systems can force patients to bear the burdens of forced pregnancy and birth," Inslee said. "Washington state remains steadfast in our commitment to protecting the ability and right of every patient who comes to our state in need of abortion care, and we will fight like hell to restore that right to patients all across the country."

“California has banded together with Oregon and Washington to stand up for women, and to protect access to reproductive healthcare.”

John Commins is a content specialist and online news editor for HealthLeaders, a Simplify Compliance brand.


KEY TAKEAWAYS

Newsom has proposed a $125 million Reproductive Health Package to expand access for women and help prepare for the influx of women seeking abortions from other states.

The California Legislature has introduced a constitutional amendment to enshrine the right to abortion in the state constitution.

Newsom recently signed legislation eliminating copays for abortions and has signed into law a legislative package to further strengthen access and protect patients and providers.


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