Newsom Encourages Legislation to Grant Licenses to Arizona Abortion Providers

California Governor Gavin Newsom revealed a new proposal on Wednesday that would allow Arizona abortion providers to work in California to bypass Arizona’s recently implemented near-total abortion ban.

Earlier this month, a decision by the Arizona Supreme Court triggered an 1864 abortion law prohibiting access to the controversial procedure in almost all cases starting May 1.

On Wednesday, lawmakers in Arizona’s House of Representatives voted to repeal the ban in a 32-28 vote. The Arizona Senate must also approve the repeal before overturning the 160-year-old ban.

“The choice to have an abortion, or seek any reproductive healthcare, should be made by patients, their families, and their healthcare providers, not politicians,” stated Rep. Oscar De Los Santos, D-Ariz., before the session on Wednesday.

“Arizona Republicans are endangering women by embracing an archaic law passed when Arizona was just a territory, not yet a state,” Newsom said in a statement. “California will take action. We are swiftly introducing legislation to allow Arizona doctors to offer safe and reliable reproductive care to people in Arizona here in California.”

The California Legislative Women’s Caucus joined Newsom in announcing the bill.

If approved, the bill would enable abortion providers from Arizona to quickly obtain licenses to operate in California.

“This legislation is a valuable temporary solution even if the Arizona Republican-controlled Legislature repeals the extreme 1864 ban,” stated Newsom’s office. “With its urgent clause, SB 233 would provide essential care during a significant period before an Arizona repeal could take effect. Prompt action helps address the confusion and negative impact of this ongoing situation.”

In an MSNBC interview on Sunday, Newsom, serving as a surrogate for President Joe Biden’s re-election campaign, highlighted Arizona’s abortion access as a key issue leading up to the November election.

The strategy is to “focus on Arizona electorally, to focus on Nevada electorally, states that will potentially have a significant impact on this election,” he explained.

Arizona voters will have the chance to address abortion access through a ballot measure in November.