Governor Newsom unveils bill to allow Arizona doctors to perform abortions in California

California Governor Gavin Newsom has introduced a bill in the state legislature that would allow doctors in Arizona to be able to provide abortions in California.

The measure is in response to a ruling earlier this month by the Arizona Supreme Court that a 160-year-old law barring all abortions except in cases when “it is necessary to save” a pregnant person’s life, can stand in the state starting June 8. The law would make abortion a felony punishable by two to five years in prison for anyone who performs the procedure or assists a woman to obtain one.

Newsom unveiled his bill Wednesday alongside the California Legislative Women's Caucus. "160,000 people across this country had to leave, flee their states to access reproductive care, reproductive freedom last year," according to Newsom. He added that "65,000 women were raped last year and became pregnant" in "just the 14 most restrictive states in this country."

The bill would need two-thirds support in both the California state House and Senate in order to pass and be sent to Newsom's desk for his signature. It take effect immediately after Newsom signs it.

News Channel 3 reached out to Planned Parenthood for reaction to Newsom's proposal and received the following response:

"We appreciate Governor Newsom looking at all options for responding to the extreme and harmful ruling in Arizona, especially when the Arizona Attorney General identified the bill he is introducing as a potential helpful action. In the midst of this chaotic landscape, any tool at the disposal of abortion providers to make sure cares continues for all who seek it in California is welcome."

Shelby McMichael | Communications Manager, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California

Meanwhile, the Arizona state House passed a bill Wednesday that would repeal the near-total ban on abortion from 1864. The bill will be voted on next in the Arizona state Senate.